Kris Bock's Blog, page 37

Whispers in the Dark - #Romance and #Suspense in the Southwest - is #Free to 12/17

Whispers in the Dark is free until Monday, December 17! Get it now from Amazon.
“The action never stopped .... It was adventure and romance at its best.”

“I couldn’t put this book down. You’ll love it.”
“The story has it all—action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship....”

Young archeologist Kylie Hafford heads to the remote Puebloan ruins of Lost Valley, Colorado, to excavate. Her first exploration of the crumbling ruins ends in a confrontation with a gorgeous, angry man who looks like a warrior from the Pueblo’s ancient past. If only Danesh weren’t so aggravating… and fascinating. Then she literally stumbles across Sean, a charming, playful tourist. His attentions feel safer, until she glimpses secrets he’d rather keep hidden.
The summer heats up as two sexy men pursue her. She finds mysteries – and surprising friendships – among the other campground residents. Could the wide-eyed woman and her silent children be in the kind of danger all too familiar to Kylie?
Mysterious lights, murmuring voices, and equipment gone missing plague her dig. A midnight encounter sends Kylie  plummeting into a deep canyon. She’ll need all her strength and wits to survive. Everything becomes clear – if she wants to save the man she’s come to love and see the villains brought to justice, she must face her demons and fight.
Whispers in the Dark, romantic suspense set in the Four Corners region of the Southwest, will appeal to fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell. This title stands alone and is not part of a series.
“This book kept me turning pages until the end. The plot was full of twists and turns, always keeping the reader rooting for the heroine. Excellent read!” 
This is a full-length standalone romantic suspense novel, at 210 pages in trade paperback (66,000 words).

Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance involving outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town. Whispers in the Darkfeatures archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. Read excerpts at www.krisbock.comor visit her Amazon page.

A #MFRWHooks for #Romance and #Suspense Whispers in the Dark

Excerpt

I finished the loop well before dark, cleaned up in the restroom, and sat at my picnic table to eat the second half of the sandwich I’d been keeping in a cooler since lunch. The block of dry ice would keep my yogurt and cheese sticks cool for a couple more days. Then I’d be stuck with dried and canned food until I made a trip into town, something I didn’t relish given that my compact car obviously wasn’t designed for the rough roads. Well, I hadn’t expected luxury.I had expected quiet, though. Yet the night filled with sounds as dusk fell. Birds, insects, and rustling in the dark. I strained my ears and tried to identify the sounds. Bird calls were easy enough. That low buzz had to be some kind of insect, and I convinced myself it was only creepy because I wasn’t used to it. Rustling in the bushes was harder to dismiss. I forced myself to breathe deeply and repeated in my mind, Just animals. Just animals. You’re safe here. A squirrel scurried up a tree nearby, proving my point, and I let out a burst of nervous laughter.

I went back to my deep breathing. I didn’t want to crawl into my tent until I felt comfortable there, or I knew I’d spend the night imagining monsters sneaking around the thin protection of my nylon walls. I could sleep in my car, as I had done several times on the drive out, when I wasn’t sure of my security. But this campground would be my home for weeks. I had to get used to it, face my fears until they disappeared. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the cool air on my skin, the soft breeze.
I heard voices in the distance and a thump like something being dropped. I told myself it was good to know others were within hailing distance. I breathed, and listened, and finally felt my heart slow and my muscles relax. I thought I might be able to sleep.A new sound drifted through the air, and my breath caught in my throat. I heard a soft sobbing, like a woman crying.Should I check it out, see if someone needed help? But no one was calling for help, and I couldn’t target the sound. It was probably some animal or bird, but still, I felt goosebumps prickle my skin. I went to my car for a sweater, trying to blame the drop in temperature for my chills. When I opened the car door, the overhead light came on, shockingly bright. I jumped and glanced around, feeling oddly guilty, as if I’d insulted the night. I grabbed my sweater, closed the door quickly, and stood for a minute waiting for my eyes to readjust as the darkness pressed around me.The crying seemed to ripple in the air, coming from nowhere and everywhere.And then it faded, leaving only the echo of its memory in the dark, and a great sadness. Whispers in the Dark
Young archeologist Kylie Hafford heads to the remote Puebloan ruins of Lost Valley, Colorado, to excavate. Her first exploration of the crumbling ruins ends in a confrontation with a gorgeous, angry man who looks like a warrior from the Pueblo’s ancient past. If only Danesh weren’t so aggravating… and fascinating. Then she literally stumbles across Sean, a charming, playful tourist. His attentions feel safer, until she glimpses secrets he’d rather keep hidden.
The summer heats up as two sexy men pursue her. She finds mysteries – and surprising friendships – among the other campground residents. Could the wide-eyed woman and her silent children be in the kind of danger all too familiar to Kylie?
Mysterious lights, murmuring voices, and equipment gone missing plague her dig. A midnight encounter sends Kylie  plummeting into a deep canyon. She’ll need all her strength and wits to survive. Everything becomes clear – if she wants to save the man she’s come to love and see the villains brought to justice, she must face her demons and fight.
Whispers in the Dark, romantic suspense set in the Four Corners region of the Southwest, will appeal to fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell. This title stands alone and is not part of a series. “This book kept me turning pages until the end. The plot was full of twists and turns, always keeping the reader rooting for the heroine. Excellent read!” Reader Suzanne
Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks - You might find your next great read!

Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.
The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In The Skeleton Canyon Treasure, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.

The #Christmas Ballet a #Romance By @ConstanceBretes

The Christmas BalletBy Constance BretesConstance has 2 $10 gift certificates to Paparazzi Accessories to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win one of the prize packages. You may find the tour locations here https://goo.gl/taJJDH.

About The Christmas Ballet:

Laura Hemmingway cut herself off from men and her family when the man she loved married her sister. She moved across the country and was doing just fine until she received a devastating call to return to New York. She had to face the death of her sister, her sister’s little girl, Maria, and Maria’s father, Stefan—the man she had once loved. She figured she would pay her respects and leave as soon as possible. 

She never anticipated on the beautiful little girl stealing her heart. And she never expected that seeing Stefan again after twelve years would stir up old feelings. Stefan’s life was complete. He had a successful career as an attorney, a beautiful wife and an adorable six-year-old daughter. Although he and his wife had been married in name only for the past several years, he cared for her deeply. Then her unexpected death brought him face-to-face with his former lover, and the guilt he’d carried for years.

Stefan is still in love with Laura and wants to give her everything she deserves. He and Maria are racing against time to convince Laura to stay with them in New York. Can a little girl’s love, and the true magic of Christmas, help Stefan convince Laura to stay and give their relationship another chance?

Content Warning: contains some sexual content
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Heat Level - Hot
Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2qPPQWBExcerpt from The Christmas Ballet:

He smiled as he thought about the look on her face when he’d stroked her. Maybe she was more interested in him than she either believed or cared to be.Then he thought of something. “One more thing, Laura,” he called out to her, and she stopped at the door and turned around.“On the nineteenth, the law firm is hosting the annual Christmas party. It’s quite grand and lasts all evening long.”“You want me to be sure to be available to babysit Maria,” Laura said.“No. I want you to plan to come with me.”“What?”“Remember that beautiful, green, velvet dress we saw at Macy’s? I want you to get that dress, and the accessories to go with it, and attend the party with me.”“Stefan, really. You know I don’t go to those types of events, and I don’t wear those kinds of clothes. I’m not comfortable with either of those things.”“You need to get comfortable.” He smiled.“This is not a part of a job for the nanny and teacher. It’s out of the range of the job description. You need to get Ginger to go with you. I’m not going.” She gave him a defiant look.“Laura, I want to take you to this event. I’m not taking no for an answer. I will arrange for Rhonda to take you shopping to help you get what you need. You will charge all the purchases to a credit card I will give you that’s for your use only. This is the first of many social parties you will be attending.”He watched her as she clenched her hands into fists and released them.“Who do you think you will get to care for Maria on these…occasions?”“Usually Lillian is available.”“Stefan, it’s my job to care for Maria, not be your date to your parties. I don’t like being told what I will or won’t do. I don’t like social parties, and I don’t like wearing expensive clothes. It’s not me, and you’re not going to change me.”“I don’t want to change you. I want you to attend an event by my side. It won’t hurt you to have some beautiful clothing to show your feminine side. I want the world to see the beauty I see. Be glad I want to show you off. Some men might decide they don’t want others to see what they see.”“Flattery doesn’t work with me. You can tell me what to do as far as Maria is concerned, but my personal life is off limits to you.”“That’s good to know. At least I know you won’t get carried away and escape my grasp by someone making flattering remarks to you. Your personal life interests me.”“Stefan, you just don’t get it. I am not going to this party,” she said, enunciating each word slowly and carefully. “Besides, your mother would be horrified to see me walk in with you.” Her face hardened as she stared at him.“Look at it this way—you’d be doing me a big favor.”“How?” She raised an eyebrow.“I’m not interested in the other women that come to this social party looking for an eligible bachelor. With you on my arm, it would send a clear message to all the others that I’m taken.”“God, you’re impossible. Ginger is more than capable of providing you that kind of service.”“I don’t want Ginger. You have the grace, quiet beauty, and finesse I want in a date, and I will not take no for an answer. After Maria’s recital, you and Rhonda will set a shopping date. And one more thing. When you get your hair done, I’d like you to wear it down.” He smiled at her.“This is not going to happen.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.“It will. I’ll just have Maria work on you.” He eyed her.“What?”Stefan grinned. “You heard me. You’d never turn down anything from Maria.”“Grrrr.” She growled and stomped up the stairs. He laced his hands and put them behind his head. Oh yeah, it’ll be a night she’ll never forget.
About the Author: Constance Bretes is an author of contemporary romance and suspense. Her romance books are often set in different parts of the country, but her favorite site is Montana. She retired from the State of Michigan after 38-plus years of service and now writes and researches full time. She is married to her best friend and has recently moved from Montana to Alabama. Her hobbies include basket weaving, sapphire digging, and checking out old ghost towns.

Constance's Social Links:
Website: http://constancebretes.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/conniebretes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConstanceBretesGoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7737457.Constance_BretesEmail: bretesc@gmail.comBeachwalk Press: http://beachwalkpress.com/constance-bretes/Instagram: #constancebretesauthorAmazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Constance-Bretes/e/B00IKSKRES a Rafflecopter giveaway

A #Mystery Exchange #Holiday Gift-Buying Guide!

Do you need great gifts for mystery loving friends and family? Or maybe you need a great book to get away from the stress of the holidays. Either way, you'll find some great options in our Mystery Exchange Holiday Gift Buying Guide!
What We Found, by Kris Bock
“Another action-packed suspense novel by Kris Bock, perhaps her best to-date.”
When Audra goes back to her small hometown after college, she just wants to fit in, work hard, and protect her 12-year-old brother from their overbearing mother. Finding a dead body in the woods changes everything. Her former crush, Jay, insists they don’t report the body. But the dead woman was murdered, and someone starts targeting Audra. She has to stand up for herself in order to stand up for the murder victim. It’s a risk, and so is reaching out to the mysterious young man who works with deadly birds of prey. But with danger all around, some risks are worth taking.
“This is a love story and suspense all in one.”
“I couldn’t stop reading.”
What We Found is mystery and romance in small-town New Mexico. This title stands alone and is not part of a series.
Sample or buy What We Found on Amazon. Learn more at Kris Bock’s website.
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.
Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.comor visit her Amazon page.Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.
*****
Wolves’ Knight, by P.J. MacLayne
Tasha Roeper knows what it means to protect your own. So when her friend, Dot Lapahie, CEO of Lapahie Enterprises, suspects that the Free Wolves are under attack, Tasha immediately signs on to lead the investigation and guard Dot.
But Tasha’s not convinced it’s the Free Wolves that are the target. She fears that her own pack—the Fairwood Pack—are the actual quarry and Dot is only a decoy.
The deeper Tasha digs, the more puzzles she uncovers.
Torn between tradition and a changing world, will Tasha risk everything to save a friend—including her own life—when old enemies arise?
Wolves Knight is the second book in the Free Wolves series, but can be read as a stand-alone. And while it isn’t your standard mystery, there is a puzzle to be solved.
“This fast-paced paranormal is a breath of fresh air. Action packed and full of amazing female characters, I loved reading a book where the women were more bad ass than the men! Great plot and intriguing characters. Highly recommend!
Author Bio: Born and raised among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, P.J. MacLayne still finds inspiration for her books in that landscape. She is a computer geek by day and a writer by night who currently lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When she’s not in front of a computer screen, she might be found exploring the back roads of the nearby national forests and parks. In addition to the Free Wolves’ stories, she is also the author of the Oak Grove series.
Sample or buy Wolves’ Knight on AmazonIt’s currently on sale for 99¢
You can follow P.J. MacLayne on Facebook or on her blog at Blog
*****
An All-Consuming Fire, Donna Fletcher CrowThe Monastery Murders 5A Christmas wedding in a monastery—idyllic. If the groom can finish the film his predecessor was killed making and the bride can escape the murderer stalking the Yorkshire moors.99¢ All December.
Donna Fletcher Crow has created her own niche within the genre of clerical mysteries. — Kate Charles, False Tongues, A CallieAnson Mystery
Crow gives us, in three extremely persuasive dimensions, the world that Dan Brown merely sketches. — Timothy Hallinan, The Queen of Patpong, Edgar nominated Best Novel
Crow is the leading practitioner of modern mystery entwined with historical fiction. — Mike Orenduff, multi-award winning Pot Thief series
The Monastery Murders incorporate vivid characterization, intricate plotting, and rich background development that brings ancient spirituality alive in contemporary murder mysteries. Felicity Howard, a young America woman studying theology in a Yorkshire monastery, and Father Anthony Sherwood, her church history lecturer, become embroiled in mysterious events that bring the past into the present. See more at https://www.donnafletchercrow.com/index.php.
*****
Avery DanielsResort To Murder Mystery SeriesLUXURY RESORTS, MURDER, A SMART HEROINE, AND A TOUCH OF ROMANCE
Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.
She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what’s best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn’t understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.
Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?
Avery-Daniels.com Join my newsletter community for news and exclusive offersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AveryDanielsAuthorBookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/avery-danielsGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16863152.Avery_DanielsTwitter: https://twitter.com/My_AveryDaniels

An #MFRWHooks for Counterfeits: An Art Theft #Romance & #Suspense

Jenny returns to her grandparents’ art camp in a remote New Mexico town after her grandmother’s sudden death. That night she wakes to the noise of intruders. What do the strangers want? As more bizarre events unfold, Jenny realizes the people she thought she knew are not what they seem – least of all Rob, an old friend whose past may be coming back to haunt them all.
Counterfeits is romantic suspense in the Southwest that will interest fans of Terry Odell, Mary Stewart, Lillian Stewart Carl, and Barbara Michaels.
“Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners, and Kris Bock used all the things I love about this genre.  Appealing lead characters, careful development of the mysterious danger facing one or both of those characters, a great location that is virtually a character on its own, interesting secondary characters who might or might not be involved or threatened, and many surprises building up to the climax.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog
“Kris Bock is a mystery mastermind.”
 – Readers Favorite Reviews 
‘Enjoyed the characters, particularly the strength and resourcefulness of the three young women.
Available on Amazon. Free via KU.Romantic SuspenseHeat level: PG (a couple of sensual scenes)Violence level: PG (fights, no torture or murder)212 pages/65,000 words

Jenny rose from sleep slowly, her body resisting. She could see nothing in the pitch black. Where was she? She blinked, trying to make sure her eyes were really open.
Memories broke through the fog. The phone call, the rush across country, the late arrival. Crawling into bed in her grandparents’ upstairs guest room. She groaned and pulled up the blanket. Morning must be hours away, given the darkness.
The old house creaked, but no sounds drifted in from outside. Maybe that’s what woke her; she was used to the murmur of city sounds all night long. Who’d have thought that would become normal?
Her head pounded. Probably dehydration from the high elevation and dry air. She should get up, drink a glass of water, take a couple of aspirin. Her head would thank her in the morning. If only she could make herself move.
The house creaked again, followed by a rhythmic sound – like footsteps. Jenny jerked upright, her ears straining. Had she heard a voice?
She shook her head. She must still be half asleep, dreaming. Imagining her grandparents were still here. Wishful thinking.
Downstairs, a door closed. Jenny clutched the blanket. Imagination be damned. She was not alone.

Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks - You might find your next great read!

Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. If you love Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, or Terry Odell, try Kris Bock’s stories of treasure hunting, archaeology and intrigue, and art theft in New Mexico.
 
Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods.
In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In The Skeleton Canyon Treasure, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Peanut Butter Fudge #Holiday #Recipe Plus the Easiest Fudge Ever

To prepare for a friend's cookie exchange, I made a couple of kinds of candy. This peanut butter fudge is amazingly simple and always a hit. You can use water instead of milk to make it dairy-free. (Some marshmallows are vegan and others aren't – check the label.)
Peanut Butter Fudge
2 cups sugar1/4 cup butter or margarine1/2  cup milk10 large marshmallows1 cup peanut butter3/4 teaspoon vanilla
Mix sugar, butter/margarine and milk in pot. Bring to a boil. Cook 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. 
Stir in the marshmallows. Stir well until they combine. If necessary, turn the heat on low for a minute to help them dissolve.
Blend in the peanut butter and vanilla. Pour into a buttered eight by eight inch pan and cool.
While I'm at it, here is the easiest ever fudge recipe. To think I used to stand by the stove for an hour, with a candy thermometer.
Easy Fudge
1 bag chocolate chips (best quality)1 can sweetened condensed milk1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix chips and condensed milk in a 9 by 13 inch glass casserole dish. Microwave 2 minutes. Add vanilla and stir to combine. Let set several hours.


Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance involving outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. If you love Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, or Terry Odell, try Kris Bock’s stories of treasure hunting, archaeology and intrigue, and art theft in New Mexico. To learn more about her latest work, visit www.krisbock.com or her Amazon page. Sign up for Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.

#MFRWHooks for The Dead Man’s Treasure: #Romance and Suspense

“… it’s all good, suspenseful fun as Rebecca and Sam traipse the New Mexico desert, deciphering clues and trying to outwit Rebecca’s half siblings.” – Publishers Weekly BookLife

The Dead Man’s Treasure

Rebecca Westin is shocked to learn the grandfather she never knew has left her a bona fide buried treasure – but only if she can decipher a complex series of clues leading to it. The hunt would be challenging enough without interference from her half-siblings, who are determined to find the treasure first and keep it for themselves. Good thing Rebecca has recruited some help.
Sam is determined to show Rebecca that a desert adventure can be sexy and fun. But there’s a treacherous wildcard in the mix, a man willing to do anything to get that treasure – and revenge.
Action and romance combine in this lively Southwestern adventure, complete with riddles the reader is invited to solve to identify historical and cultural sites around New Mexico.
Here's the opening: 
Rebecca peered through the small, cloudy window into the machine shop. Inside, someone held a flaming welding torch to an odd jumble of metal. She couldn’t see the person’s features beyond the face shield, but a glimpse of tousled, dark blond hair suggested it might be the woman from the article. The treasure hunter.
The woman who could help. If only she would.
Rebecca made sure her blouse was neatly tucked into her skirt and pushed through the door. A burning, metallic smell hit her. The new angle gave her a glimpse of the welder’s shoulders and she reversed her opinion. That was no woman.
He turned off the torch and removed the welding helmet. “Hey.” He was average height, with sun-streaked hair and a killer smile. Sweat glistened on his face and lean, muscular arms. He was sexy in an athletic way, though she preferred the work-obsessed brainiac type.
Rebecca gave a brief nod of greeting. In the clutter of odd machinery, it took her a moment to spot the woman leaning against a long metal table. Curly blonde hair, curvy figure in jeans and a tank top. That was whom she’d come to see. “Camille Dagneau?”
“Call me Camie.” The blue eyes studied her with open curiosity.
Rebecca forced a smile, hoping her fatigue and anxiety didn’t show. “I’m Rebecca Westin. Can we talk?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Rebecca glanced at the man, but he was poking at his project, testing the weld or something, and it would be rude to insist he leave in the middle of his work. He was probably a student, though he looked close to thirty, and the metal thing looked more like an artistic sculpture than an engineering project.
She moved closer to Camie and spoke in a low voice. “I read about you in a National Geographicarticle. And when I found out you were here, in New Mexico…. Well, it seemed like too good a coincidence to pass up. I’m hoping I can convince you to help me find another treasure.”
Behind her, the man said, “Wait a minute, if this is a treasure hunt, I want in this time.”
Rebecca shot him a frosty look, but he kept smiling. He was probably used to getting whatever he wanted with that smile. But this wasn’t a game. Her future was at stake. She turned back to Camie, shifting slightly to block out the man, and waited for a response.
“You want to hire me as a treasure hunting guide?”
Here’s where things got tricky....
Kris Bock’s Amazon page

Reader Praise for The Dead Man’s Treasure:
"Okay, first of all, I love that the author makes this book interactive – if the reader wants it to be. You can go online and download a printable copy of the treasure map and try to decipher the clues yourself. I found that it be a fun addition to the book, plus you'll also get awesome Southwestern recipes. … The Dead Man’s Treasure is fast-paced and a perfect read for the weekend. I highly recommend this one. - Amy Brantley
I would give this 10 stars if I could!! I can't say enough how much I LOVED this book! It has mystery, adventure, danger, romance, and above it all family remains a huge theme. … I was literally like a kid in a candy store turning page after page reading this story. - Jules-Mighty Tired Mom
The Mad Monk’s Treasure is the first of the Southwest Treasure Hunters novels. The Dead Man’s Treasure is book 2 and The Skeleton Canyon Treasure is book 3. Each novel stands alone and is complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with light romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico. Get The Mad Monk’s Treasure for 99 cents on Amazon.
This is a blog hop – Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks - You might find your next great read! 
Kris Bock lives in New Mexico, where she enjoys hiking, watching the sunset from her patio, and hanging out with her husband and their ferrets. Her home office looks out on nature, complete with distracting wildlife such as roadrunners and foxes. Her BFA in photography is used mainly to show Facebook friends how lovely the Southwest is.

Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Southwestern #Recipe for the #Holidays - Crock Pot Cheese Fondue Dip

Photo by EquatorialSky Creative Commons license I write novels of adventure and romance set in the Southwestern United States. The novels touch on local culture, including food. For my most recent romantic suspense, TheDead Man’s Treasure , I put together a recipe booklet of foods mentioned in the book, including this handy party treat.
Crock Pot Cheese Fondue Dip

1 (10.75 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
2 cups grated cheddar cheese1 cup milk
1/4 cup or more green chiles
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce1 Tbsp. chives
1 Tbsp. garlicServe with corn chips, celery sticks, cauliflower, etc.
 Combine all ingredients in a fondue pot or small crock pot. Heat on medium, stirring frequently, until smooth and well blended. Adjust heat to warm and serve in the pot, with chips or veggies on the side. If it starts to get too thick, stir in a little more milk.
New Mexico green chileby LittlemisslibrarianCreative Commons LicenseSee also Red or Green: The New Mexico Chile and my other recipes:Breakfast BurritoHuevos RancherosHomemade Green Chile SauceEnchilada CasseroleBob’s Chicken Enchilada CasseroleNew Mexico Green Chile Chicken Soup RecipeNew Mexico Grilled Cheese Recipe
– Use these links or simply click on the “Recipe” label down to the right.)
The Dead Man’s Treasure
Rebecca Westin is shocked to learn the grandfather she never knew has left her a bona fide buried treasure – but only if she can decipher a complex series of clues leading to it. The hunt would be challenging enough without interference from her half-siblings, who are determined to find the treasure first and keep it for themselves. Good thing Rebecca has recruited some help.
Sam is determined to show Rebecca that a desert adventure can be sexy and fun. But there’s a treacherous wildcard in the mix, a man willing to do anything to get that treasure – and revenge.
Action and romance combine in this lively Southwestern adventure, complete with riddles the reader is invited to solve to identify historical and cultural sites around New Mexico. See the books page of Kris Bock’s website and scroll down to The Dead Man’s Treasure for a printable list of the clues and recipes from the book.
The first book in the Southwest Treasure Hunters series is The Mad Monk’s Treasure. The Dead Man’s Treasure is book 2 and The Skeleton Canyon Treasure is book 3. Each novel stands alone and is complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with sweet to mildly spicy romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico. Get the books on Amazon.

A Mystical Collection filled with Romance, Mystery and Fantasy - Moonlight Mist Boxed Set #PNR #Fantasy #Romance

Moonlight MistA Limited-Edition Collection of Fantasy and Paranormal Romances
Somewhere underneath a moonlit night lies an underworld that some may not believe exists.
The creatures of this alternate plane lurk beyond the mist.
Searching.
Hungry.
Craving for what they need.
Some may find it. Some might even curb that hunger. But a few will not.
Without knowing what it is they need to satisfy a primal need, they seek out something more. Something that will test their limits in search of something greater. Something powerful... Something everlasting. 
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Featuring stories by these authors:Night Falls (Racinitine Pack 1) by Nicole MorganKinzey will not only change Paul’s world, but the only life his pack has ever known.
Fighting Fate (Windsor Woods 2) by Krista AmesCan a lonely Alpha accept his fate?
The Acquisition of Dr. Iris by Erin LeeTrue love exists only in darkness.
Twilight Rising by Erin RichardsTelepathy. Murder. Hot detectives…all in a day’s work.
The Waking Dream by Kat ParrishTo dream is to be alive.
Close Encounter by Stephanie MorrisMaybe having a werewolf in your bed isn’t such a bad thing…
Only Tonight by TMonique StephensOne night to fall in love. One night to save the world.
Sparks Fly by Donna R. MercerAnything can happen when Sparks Fly.
Unexpected Trajectory by Terri BruceLove can find you in the most unexpected place – even among the stars.
Taken by Him by Jan SpringerCalder can’t ignore the way she fires his blood…
Destined by Carly O’Shea & Cam Cassidy
Safe With You by Sharon CoadyHe wants to be alone, she wants to protect him…
Iroida by Berlin RhodesA love even the gods can’t prevent.
Flamekeeper by Helen ScottNothing burns hotter than dragon fire.
Code Red by Carma Haley ShoemakerSaving lives is easy. It’s being in love that’s dangerous.
Honor Bound by Rebecca TranOnly love will save Hallie when she wanders into Underhill.
Loving the Lion by Marie MasonHow long will it take this alpha male to realize she’s not only just what he and his animal need, she’s what they crave?
Grateful for the Gymnasium by Deelylah MullinWhen Gunny and Hallie fall in love, will the full moon take them by storm or help them settle into a happy place?
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#Romance and #Suspense in the Southwest - #MFRWHooks for The Mad Monk’s Treasure

The lost Victorio Peak treasure is the stuff of legends – a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. When Erin, a quiet history professor, uncovers a clue that may pinpoint the lost treasure cave, she prepares for adventure. But when a hit and run driver nearly kills her, she realizes she’s not the only one after the treasure. And is Drew, the handsome helicopter pilot who found her bleeding in a ditch, really a hero, or one of the enemy?
Erin isn’t sure she can trust Drew with her heart, but she’ll need his help to track down the treasure. She heads into the New Mexico wilderness with her brainy best friend Camie and a feisty orange cat. The wilderness holds its own dangers, from wild animals to sudden storms. Plus, the sinister men hunting Erin are determined to follow her all the way to the treasure, no matter where the twisted trail leads. Erin won’t give up an important historical find without a fight, but is she ready to risk her life – and her heart?
“The story has it all - action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship....”
“Great balance of history, romance, and adventure. Smart romance with an ‘Indiana Jones’ feel. Well-written with an attention to detail that allowed me to picture exactly in my head how a scene looked and played out.”

The Mad Monk’s Treasure a Romantic Adventure by Kris Bock
Genre: Romantic SuspenseBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13
Now 99 cents at Amazon! - Kris Bock at Amazon
Excerpt:
Erin floated in darkness. Where was she? What was happening? Why did she feel like she would throw up if she tried to move?
Something was tugging at her waist. Hands? A vague thought floated through her consciousness – don’t move an accident victim. She tried to speak, though she wasn’t sure what she wanted to say. Call 911? Help? Maybe the hands were help. Somebody was there, anyway. She wasn’t alone. She tried to open her eyes, tried to ask what had happened.
The tugging at her waist stopped. She thought she heard a murmur of voices. The slam of a car door jolted her so she flinched. She only noticed the car engine when it revved up and moved away.
Silence. The air lay hot and heavy over her. The pain started to fragment into specific sensations – pounding in her head, a shooting pain in her neck, burning in her hands, knees, and one elbow, grass prickling her left cheek. She remembered the accident. She could hear the faint murmur of traffic on the highway, on the other side of the cement divider. But that was all.
What had happened to the person trying to help her? Had she imagined it?
Blackness threatened to draw her in. She had to resist it. Erin sucked in a breath and tried to focus through the pain. She’d had an accident. She was alone in a ditch. It could be hours before someone found her. She had to move, get up to the road at least. She shouldn’t move, but she had to.
She opened her eyes and saw a haze of yellow slashes. She blinked and tried to focus. The colors shimmered and would not turn into solid shapes. She blinked rapidly, tears threatening to blur her vision more. What was wrong with her eyes?
Finally she understood. Weeds were growing inches from her eyes, too close for her to focus. She lay on her stomach, head turned to the side. If she concentrated, she could feel the ground despite all the aches.
Erin flexed her right hand until she felt the ground beneath her. She waited until her brain understood where her arm was. She took a deep breath and gritted her teeth. With a groan, she pushed with her hand and rolled over. She lay gasping.
“Shoot.”
Had she said that? She didn’t think so. She forced her eyes open. She gazed up into a face, almost close enough to kiss. Blue eyes stared down at her. They seem to grow larger, filling her vision like the sky, drawing her in like a pool of cool water.
“Hold on,” a man’s voice said. “Don’t try to move. I’m calling for help.”
Help. Yes, help would be good. She closed her eyes with a sigh.
“Stay with me,” the voice demanded. Annoying. She wanted to sleep.
She heard more words, something about an accident, but didn’t try to make sense of them. Her head pounded.
A hand grabbed her wrist. “Don’t move.” Had she? She must have, her arm was in the air, her fingers brushing her head, although it felt strange, wrong, swollen and stiff and distant. Oh, right – she was wearing her bike helmet. She always wore her helmet. You never knew when you might have an accident.
The strange hand gently guided her arm down until it lay alongside her again. Erin whimpered. Rough fingertips brushed her cheek. “You’ll be all right,” the voice said. “Everything is going to be okay.”
Oh, good, Erin thought. That was all right then.
“Look at me. Stay with me.”
Erin blinked against the brightness until the blur above her resolved into those blue eyes. She could get lost in those eyes. She wanted to get lost and let everything else slip away.
The pain in her head started to shriek. No, it was something outside. A siren, wailing ever louder as it drew closer. Lights flashed in the corner of her vision. She moaned and closed her eyes against the pain.
The voice whispered over her, husky and gentle. “You’re all right now. You’ll be all right.”

Now 99 cents at Amazon! - Kris Bock at Amazon


Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks-You might find your next great read! 
Kris Bock writes romantic suspense novels set in dramatic Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark brings a gothic drama to an archaeology dig at ancient Southwest ruins. In What We Found, a young woman’s life swiftly changes when she finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, an artist heads back to the children’s art camp she once knew well – but danger awaits.
The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a legendary treasure in the New Mexico desert. In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives must follow a series of complex clues in a competition to locate a buried treasure. In The Skeleton Canyon Treasure, reader favorites Camie and Tiger the cat help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.