Kris Bock's Blog, page 41

#SummerRead - Alpha Pair, a #paranormal romance by @Brenda_Sparks

Alpha Pair by Brenda SparksAlthough this #SummerRead is the 4th book of the Alpha Council Chronicles series, it can be read as a standalone novel.
Book Blurb:How strong is the blood that binds? Tatiana Bolovich is a beautiful femme fatale with a haunting history. Having recently discovered the brutish Demetri Romanoff is her heartmate, she spent the past year avoiding him, but the Fates have other plans. Demetri commands every situation. A strong, valiant warrior he’s used to being in control, that is until he is kidnapped by demons. Forced to endure unspeakable experiments at the hands of his enemy, the Alpha discovers just how out of control life can get.Summoned by the Alpha Council, Tatiana grudgingly helps track Demetri down, promising herself that she will disappear from his life forever once the job is done. But matters of the heart are not so easily ignored. Will she give him a chance to prove himself, or will she deny her nature and slip away into the night?


Buy Links: Amazon Wild Rose Press iBooks Barnes and Noble

Book Excerpt:The Alpha swung a leg over the motorcycle and tugged on his helmet. “You coming anytime this century, woman?”Tatiana pulled her helmet down over her dark hair, the blunt ends sticking out from under it like twigs in a nest.“Hold your horses, Romanoff.” She straddled her bike.Demetri shifted the bike from its stand and rousted the thing with a kick of his booted heel. He gunned the throttle. “My horses want to go,” he called over the roar of the sports bike.Tatiana started the motorcycle she borrowed from Marcus with a push of a button. The black beast growled to life. “Well, what are we waiting for then? I bet I can get to the counseling center before you.”The howl of her engine made further conversation impossible when she revved the machine.They tore off down the gravel drive, the bikes fishtailing. Bits of gravel spit out behind them. Demetri gunned his engine and took the lead. He flashed her a brilliant smile when he passed, making it almost worth being second place. But not quite.As they rounded out of the gated fence onto the road, Tatiana cut under him to regain the lead.He shook his head. Life will never be dull with you, tigress warrior. You are a fierce competitor, but then so am I.


Author Bio:Born in Virginia, Brenda Sparks now resides in the Sunshine State.  Balancing her professional commitment to the local school district with her writing is challenging at times, but writing suspenseful paranormal romances is a passion that won’t be denied. Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.  Brenda loves to connect with readers.  Please visit her online or stop by her website to say hi.




Author Links:Website:  Facebook Fan Page Twitter Handle: @brenda_sparks Goodreads:  Facebook Author Page  Pinterest Amazon Blog

#SummerRead - #Romance & #Suspense by @Kris_Bock

In honor of my birthday, here's an interview I did for a blog hop.

Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing.
Twenty years ago, I started writing for children, using the name Chris Eboch. I have eight middle grade novels (for ages 9 to 12) published under that name. I also write a lot of educational nonfiction under the name MM Eboch.
Around 2008, I was starting to feel restless and wanted a change. I realized I had mostly been reading adult romantic suspense novels, so I started writing those under the name Kris Bock. 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. Whispers in the Darkfeatures archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.
So I have over 50 published books now, but that includes fiction and nonfiction, for children and adults. The variety keeps me interested!
Tell me something unusual that isn't in your regular bio. My first clear childhood memories are from Saudi Arabia. We moved there just before my fifth birthday and lived in an American camp for six years while my father worked for the oil company. My classmates were mostly American, but I had friends from Britain, India, and Pakistan. My family camped in the desert and shopped in the nearby Arab town. Santa visited on a camel.
Despite taking daily life for granted, I learned early that the whole world was not like my neighborhood. We skied in Austria, went on safari in Africa, slept on a houseboat in Kashmir. I have no memories at all of visiting Greece at age 6, but apparently I hung on every word of our elderly British tour guide. I’ve been fascinated by foreign cultures and ancient history ever since.
Tell us about your home.
I live in a small town in central New Mexico with my husband and our ferrets. I am a full-time writer, and my home office looks out on nature, complete with distracting wildlife such as roadrunners and foxes. I use my BFA in photography to show Facebook friends how lovely the Southwest is. The only ways to get around are on foot or by car, but it's such a small town that I can often walk to friends’ houses and rush-hour is less than five minutes.
Does your real life show up in your writing? In what ways? My historical novels for children don't use a lot of real life experience, since they are set in different cultures, hundreds or thousands of years ago. Of course, I assume that people haven't changed that much – the seven deadly sins are pretty relevant today – so I draw on my understanding of people and my general experiences with emotions. For example, in The Well of Sacrifice, the main character idolizes her older brother and is envious of her prettier sister. She's at an age where she thinks the adults should take care of things but is realizing that they don't always do what's right. I think those aspects resonate with kids today, even if you're talking about a pre-Columbian Mayan setting with a very different culture and lifestyle.
Real life experiences often give me ideas for my adult novels, written as Kris Bock. What We Found is a mystery inspired by finding a dead body while hiking. Someone in law enforcement said that people often don't report crimes they stumbled across. That got me thinking – Why? What reasons would you have for not calling the police? The book also includes falconry, based on experiences I’ve had hanging out with a falconer.
Whispers in the Dark follows a young archaeologist who stumbles into danger as mysteries unfold among ancient Southwest ruins. That was inspired by a trip to Hovenweep National Monument some years ago. I loved that setting and had to use it in a book!
I had an idea for a series about treasure hunting adventures in the Southwest, so I read up on some lost treasures. In The Mad Monk’s Treasure, two friends search for the Victorio Peak treasure – a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. Their experiences in the desert are based on my experiences hiking in New Mexico, though they get more danger and drama.
Who is your ideal reader? My romantic adventures should appeal to fans of “lighter” romantic suspense, along the lines of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Nora Roberts. In fact, Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog said, “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.”

You’ll find plenty of action and a sweet love story, but not the gritty violence and explicit erotica of some modern romantic suspense. I also tried to bring the New Mexico scenery to life – gorgeous sunsets, dangerous monsoon storms, and everywhere you turn a plant or animal that wants to scratch, bite, or sting you. Armchair adventure travelers are welcome!
What writing projects are you currently working on?I’m about to submit a mystery about a former war correspondent who returns to her childhood home after an injury and uncovers a mystery at the Alzheimer’s care unit where her mother resides. It’s intended to be the first in a series with the same main character.
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. The Mad Monk’s Treasurefollows 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. 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.
Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeitsis 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.
Kris Bock websiteKris Bock Blog: The Southwest Armchair TravelerKris Bock’s Amazon pageKris Bock’s Newsletter signup

Tatia’s Tattoo by @LindaBrendle – A #MysteryExchange Post

Today's guest is Linda Brendle, sharing Tatia’s Tattoo, her Christian Fiction/Legal Thriller.

Tatia’s Tattoo begins on a Friday morning as Tatia Robins, a successful D.C. attorney, awakens from a nightmare that has tormented her for over a decade, a replay of her twelfth birthday when Eric stole her innocence and then sold her for the first time. After spending some time in prayer, she finishes packing and leaves for Royal Children’s Camp, a Christian camp for foster children where she first met Jesse and Mrs. G and now serves as a counselor every summer.
The journey to camp each year stirs up memories of her journey from a happy child in the arms of loving parents to one more statistic in the sex-trafficking industry in a small Texas town. She also remembers her day in court when she stood up to Eric, the man who was supposed to love her but instead branded her like a slave.
She is met at the airport by Mrs. G, the woman who recognized her as one of the least of these in spite of her skin-tight mini dress and the prisoner’s band around her wrist. Throughout the weekend, she looks forward to a reunion with other members of the Grochowsky Rescue Academy and with Jesse, the Christian tattoo artist and biker who waits patiently for Tatia to feel safe enough to tear down the protective walls she has built around herself. Will the love of her new family and Jesse’s surprise gift be enough to help her reclaim the power that Eric stole from her?
Excerpt:
Tatia couldn’t breathe. She could feel his weight on her chest, his hot breath on her face – and pain – she felt hot, searing pain running up the center of her body. Then, he rolled off of her, and she could breathe again, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to. If she could hold her breath long enough, maybe she could go where Mama and Daddy went, to their Father’s house. Suddenly, he grabbed her by the shoulder and jerked her off the bed into a standing position.“Go clean yourself up. My friend will be here in fifteen minutes. Stop your bawling and freshen your make-up. You look like hell.”He turned to the bed to straighten the rumpled sheets. When he caught sight of the fresh bloodstains, he threw his hands in the air in exasperation.“Was this really your first time?”The only reply from the bathroom was the sound of running water and soft sniffling.“I could have charged twice as much,” he yelled.Tatia woke with start as her alarm clock freed her from the nightmare she had re-lived for more than a decade. She turned off the alarm and slipped to her knees beside the bed, asking God to take away the horror of the dream and to replace it with His light. Basking in the love she felt in response to her prayer, she rose and picked up her partially packed suitcase from the floor. She placed it on the bed, ready for last-minutes toiletries, and headed for the shower. She had a plane to catch and girls to rescue.
Buy Links:BookPros: https://www.bookpros.com/books/15 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tatias-Tattoo-Linda-Brendle/dp/1945455829
Linda Brendle first began to write during her years as a caregiver. After two memoirs, A Long and Winding Road and Mom’s Long Good-Bye, she ventured into the world of fiction. Tatia’s Tattoo will be followed soon by Fallen Angel Salvage, the continuing story of Tatia, her family, and Eric ten years later.
In semi-retirement from the business world, Linda holds a part-time job as secretary for her church and an on-line position as an accounting specialist for BookPros. She also writes a column for the weekly newspaper in the tiny East Texas town where she and her husband David live with their feral cat Kitty.
Where to find the author:
Website: http://www.lifeaftercaregiving.wordpress.com Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LindaBrendle Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/linda.brendle Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/1/102098344798997508229 Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/brendle0068 Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7933327.Linda_Brendle

#MysteryExchange - Sink or Swim: #Suspense & #Romance by Stacy Juba @stacyjuba

How do you call for SOS when only the killer can hear you?
Personal trainer Cassidy sails into the public eye while competing on a TV game show set aboard a Tall Ship. After she returns home and catches the attention of a stalker, her well-ordered life turns topsy-turvy. As Cassidy's competitors disappear one by one, she teams up with Zach, the charming photographer tasked to record her personal moments for the newspaper.
Is Zach trustworthy? He shadows her as easily as the stalker. Despite the chemistry simmering between them, Cassidy fears he has a secret to hide.
She hates the bizarre rules in this guessing game, but when her stalker forces a showdown, Cassidy plays to win. . .this time for her life.
If you're in the mood for a fun mystery that keeps you glued to the pages, then pick up your copy of Sink or Swim today.
Excerpt:Cassidy straightened as Detective Sean Pierce returned with a Styrofoam cup of coffee and a Coke. He popped open the can and handed it to her. Nondescript in his gray striped button-down shirt and khakis, Detective Pierce scraped up a plastic chair beside her. From his retracting brown hair and the crinkles under his dark eyes, he looked as if he was in his early forties, but he had the trim build of a thirty-year-old athlete.
He shot her a curious glance. "You were on that game show. I recognize you from the newspaper. Must have been quite an experience."
"That's an understatement," Cassidy said.
Detective Pierce emptied a packet of sugar into his coffee and stirred it. If he was attempting to help her relax, he wasn’t succeeding. Her mind wouldn’t shut off. "The dispatcher tells me you have an unwanted admirer."
"Yes. I feel a little silly coming here when this person hasn’t even approached me yet, but he gives me a bad vibe. He’s really persistent, and if you read his letters, he’s not all there if you know what I mean." Cassidy passed over the pile of envelopes and picked up Raggedy Ann from the floor beside her feet.
"He calls himself Miles," she said. "He sent this doll to the studio in New York, then a letter came to my apartment. I found a half-dozen others in my fan mail from the network."
Detective Pierce unfolded one of the letters and held it between his fingers. He read a few lines and frowned.
"What do you think?" Cassidy asked, dropping the doll onto his desk and leaning forward.
"Why Raggedy Ann? She doesn’t exactly symbolize romance."
"On the show, I mentioned that I had one when I was a kid. My father gave it to me."
He nodded and flipped the page. "This guy sounds like a real winner. He sure rambles. You don't know anyone named Miles?"
"No."
"Did he threaten you in any of these letters?"
"No, I’d call them obsessive, not threatening. But that doesn’t always matter, does it? Isn’t it true that stalkers can start out flattering and turn violent?"
"Yes, but I’m glad to hear you haven’t gotten any threats yet. How about ex-boyfriends? Could any of them be hung up on you and hiding behind this Miles persona?"
Cassidy pulled herself erect, balancing the soda can on her knee. She’d been the one to end most of her short-term relationships, but none of the guys had seemed overly distressed. They’d taken the hint and stopped calling. Unfortunately, the one man who made her toes tingle was engaged. "I don’t think so. It's someone who saw me on TV. It has to be."
"Give me the names anyway. I'll run a background check."
She scribbled a list of all her dates since high school, a deep flush coloring her cheeks. Four names, only one in the past year. Working her way through college hadn’t left much time for a social life and she’d turned down several dates at the gym to avoid awkward situations when the relationship soured. Cassidy had even less girlfriends – most of her high school pals had moved away, either getting married or accepting jobs out-of-state.
She reviewed the list before handing it to the detective. "This is a dead end. These guys would contact me directly, not use an alias."
Detective Pierce trailed his finger down the short list of names. "You’re sure about that?"
"Yeah, and besides, none of them were serious. I dated them all a handful of times. They weren’t lunatics. I'm telling you, this guy is a stranger."
Retailers: AmazonAudibleiTunes Also available in Kindle Unlimited as part of the Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set.
Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers) or writing about them, Stacy helps authors to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. Visit her website to get your free Mystery Lovers Sampler.
Visit Stacy on:
Website Facebook Twitter 

#MysteryExchang - Sink or Swim: #Suspense & #Romance by Stacy Juba @stacyjuba

How do you call for SOS when only the killer can hear you?
Personal trainer Cassidy sails into the public eye while competing on a TV game show set aboard a Tall Ship. After she returns home and catches the attention of a stalker, her well-ordered life turns topsy-turvy. As Cassidy's competitors disappear one by one, she teams up with Zach, the charming photographer tasked to record her personal moments for the newspaper.
Is Zach trustworthy? He shadows her as easily as the stalker. Despite the chemistry simmering between them, Cassidy fears he has a secret to hide.
She hates the bizarre rules in this guessing game, but when her stalker forces a showdown, Cassidy plays to win. . .this time for her life.
If you're in the mood for a fun mystery that keeps you glued to the pages, then pick up your copy of Sink or Swim today.
Excerpt:Cassidy straightened as Detective Sean Pierce returned with a Styrofoam cup of coffee and a Coke. He popped open the can and handed it to her. Nondescript in his gray striped button-down shirt and khakis, Detective Pierce scraped up a plastic chair beside her. From his retracting brown hair and the crinkles under his dark eyes, he looked as if he was in his early forties, but he had the trim build of a thirty-year-old athlete.
He shot her a curious glance. "You were on that game show. I recognize you from the newspaper. Must have been quite an experience."
"That's an understatement," Cassidy said.
Detective Pierce emptied a packet of sugar into his coffee and stirred it. If he was attempting to help her relax, he wasn’t succeeding. Her mind wouldn’t shut off. "The dispatcher tells me you have an unwanted admirer."
"Yes. I feel a little silly coming here when this person hasn’t even approached me yet, but he gives me a bad vibe. He’s really persistent, and if you read his letters, he’s not all there if you know what I mean." Cassidy passed over the pile of envelopes and picked up Raggedy Ann from the floor beside her feet.
"He calls himself Miles," she said. "He sent this doll to the studio in New York, then a letter came to my apartment. I found a half-dozen others in my fan mail from the network."
Detective Pierce unfolded one of the letters and held it between his fingers. He read a few lines and frowned.
"What do you think?" Cassidy asked, dropping the doll onto his desk and leaning forward.
"Why Raggedy Ann? She doesn’t exactly symbolize romance."
"On the show, I mentioned that I had one when I was a kid. My father gave it to me."
He nodded and flipped the page. "This guy sounds like a real winner. He sure rambles. You don't know anyone named Miles?"
"No."
"Did he threaten you in any of these letters?"
"No, I’d call them obsessive, not threatening. But that doesn’t always matter, does it? Isn’t it true that stalkers can start out flattering and turn violent?"
"Yes, but I’m glad to hear you haven’t gotten any threats yet. How about ex-boyfriends? Could any of them be hung up on you and hiding behind this Miles persona?"
Cassidy pulled herself erect, balancing the soda can on her knee. She’d been the one to end most of her short-term relationships, but none of the guys had seemed overly distressed. They’d taken the hint and stopped calling. Unfortunately, the one man who made her toes tingle was engaged. "I don’t think so. It's someone who saw me on TV. It has to be."
"Give me the names anyway. I'll run a background check."
She scribbled a list of all her dates since high school, a deep flush coloring her cheeks. Four names, only one in the past year. Working her way through college hadn’t left much time for a social life and she’d turned down several dates at the gym to avoid awkward situations when the relationship soured. Cassidy had even less girlfriends – most of her high school pals had moved away, either getting married or accepting jobs out-of-state.
She reviewed the list before handing it to the detective. "This is a dead end. These guys would contact me directly, not use an alias."
Detective Pierce trailed his finger down the short list of names. "You’re sure about that?"
"Yeah, and besides, none of them were serious. I dated them all a handful of times. They weren’t lunatics. I'm telling you, this guy is a stranger."
Retailers: AmazonAudibleiTunes Also available in Kindle Unlimited as part of the Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set.
Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers) or writing about them, Stacy helps authors to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. Visit her website to get your free Mystery Lovers Sampler.
Visit Stacy on:
Website Facebook Twitter 

Arresting Mason by @AmberDaulton1 #MysteryExchange #TheWildRosePress #romanticsuspense

Arresting Mason by Amber Daulton
Series: Arresting Onyx (book 1)Publisher: The Wild Rose PressGenre: Romantic SuspenseLength: 80kHeat Rating: 5 Flames
Once you’re in a prison gang, you’re in it for life. That’s what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother—his parole officer—catches them together and doesn’t approve. Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets, but never expects those secrets to threaten her life. When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason’s return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?TaglineTheir chance encounter resulted in a steamy affair, but will his former gang and a parole officer tear them apart? Excerpt:“Which one is your car?” She glanced around the crowded parking lot. A few streetlights pushed back the darkness and shadows. The restaurant served customers until midnight on the weekends, but no one loitered in the lot, at least from what Mia could see.“Don’t have one at the moment.” Mason hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. “I took the bus. It stopped a few blocks from here.”“Would you like a ride?” She pulled the car keys from her purse. “I feel a little ridiculous we met here tonight. I just wasn’t sure if you were some kind of freak.”His eyebrow lifted, and he closed the distance between them as a tiger would zero in on its mate. A sexy, masculine smile curled his lips. “Have you made up your mind yet?”“I’ll let you know in the morning.” Desire trickled down her spine. Mia nodded toward the passenger side of the car for him to hop in.He confiscated her keys instead to unlock and open the driver’s side door for her like a gentleman. Then he leaned closer and nuzzled her temple with his nose.Not sure if he planned to seduce her in the parking lot or if he merely wanted to tease her, Mia pressed her hand to his chest and tried to think straight. “You’re the first guy I’ve gone on a date with since my divorce. I haven’t slept with anyone since Evan.”He tunneled his fingers through her wavy, chestnut-brown hair. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time either. We’ll take it slow or fast, whatever you want, but I promise you one thing. After I’m done with you, you won’t even remember that bastard’s name.” Oh, God. She almost melted right then and there. “Fast. I want you, Mason.”“Take me to your place and you can have me.”
Goodreads  Buy Links: Amazon – http://amzn.to/2ppcmEJ Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/2uOj90J iTunes – https://apple.co/2FVAQMPKobo - https://bit.ly/2KgwJxgBooks2Read - https://books2read.com/u/m2vvY7
Official Book Trailer

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc0q0dLLFPM
About the Author:
Writing is the fruit of happiness.Amber Daulton lives her life by that one belief even though she normally isn’t so Zen.As a fan of contemporary, paranormal, and historical romance novels alike, she can’t get enough of feisty heroines and alpha heroes. Her mind is a wonderland of adventure, laughter, and awesome ways of kicking a guy when he’s down. She probably wouldn’t be too sane without her computer and notebooks. After all, what’s a girl to do when people are jabbering away in her head and it’s hard to shut them up? Write! Nothing else works.
Social Media Links:
Blogsite – http://amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com/Facebook Author Page – www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.authorTwitter – https://twitter.com/AmberDaulton1Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/ Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_DaultonAmazon Author Page – http://amzn.to/14JoZff Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/amberdaultonLinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/pub/amber-daulton/87/538/368 Google Plus - https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmberDaulton The Wild Rose Press - https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/2362_amber-daulton

#SummerRead - a Treasure Hunting Legend Inspires #Romance & #Suspense by @Kris_Bock

I love the Southwest, and I love the romance and mystery behind tales of buried treasure. When researching lost treasures of the American Southwest, I came across the story of the Victorio Peak treasure, which has it all – a heretic Spanish priest, bandits, an Apache raider, and of course lots of gold.  The Mad Monk’s Treasure  was inspired by this tale.
Treasure Hunting Law
Many people are fascinated by tales of lost treasures. Some people even devote their lives to tracking down one or more historical mysteries, while others dabble in treasure hunting as a hobby. But who actually owns the treasure if someone does find it?
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 states that on public land (BLM lands, national parks, etc.), archaeological finds belong to the government. Qualified archaeologists can put in permits for excavation, and the finds can go to universities or museums, but the objects still belong to the government. On private land, a treasure would typically belong to the finder, if they are excavating with the land owner’s permission. However, state rules vary. Also, “treasure trove,” paper money or objects of gold or silver, must have been lost for at least a few decades, so it is unlikely that the original owner would come to reclaim it.
Of course, not everyone follows the law. I did some volunteer training with the BLM for people interested in monitoring archaeological sites. We were warned to never approach strangers digging in the desert, as they might be illegal treasure hunters and might be violent. Life can be just as exciting as fiction!
Inspired by Legend
In writing fiction, I took liberties with the Victorio Peak Treasure, which is still considered an unsolved mystery. According to the stories, the most likely location for the treasure is now within the restricted area of the White Sands Missile Range. I moved the treasure to public land, so my characters could actually find it. Not that the adventure is easy!
In The Mad Monk’s Treasure, quiet history professor Erin uncovers a clue to a lost treasure cave, but minutes after her discovery, a hit and run driver leaves her for dead. Is Drew, the handsome helicopter pilot who found her bleeding in a ditch, really a hero, or one of the enemy?Erin won’t give up an important historical find without a fight. She and her best friend Camie head into the New Mexico wilderness to track the treasure. The wilderness holds its own dangers, from wild animals to even wilder weather. The pair races to find the treasure as sinister men hunt them. Just how far will Erin go to find the treasure and discover what she’s really made of?
“The story has it all—action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship....”
Excerpt:

Among all the legends, all the fact and fiction, one story stood out. The Victorio Peak legend had it all. A Franciscan priest and a swindler. Torture, murder, a government cover-up. Where was the truth, among all the stories? Erin wanted to find out. Over time, and with Camie’s encouragement, she’d started to take the treasure hunt more seriously. It wasn’t so much for the treasure itself—that would most likely belong to the government or the landowners. But it would make her reputation, open up new job opportunities—change her life in ways she hardly dared dream.
She touched the book gently. The pages were falling out; she didn’t want to risk carrying it around. Instead, Erin snapped a picture of the petroglyphs with her phone. That would be enough to show Camie for now.
The timing was perfect; she just had to turn in grades and field a few tearful last-minute requests for extensions, and she’d be done for the semester. What better way to spend the summer, than hunting for buried treasure?
Erin shook her head. Who would’ve thought that she, the quiet, studious girl who’d spent her entire adult life in academia in one way or another, would be planning such an adventure?
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
Kris 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. 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. 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.
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.
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Monsoon Rains in New Mexico #Southwest

A quick post with a video and some photos from our recent flash flood in the drainage channel.



Chris Eboch is the author of over 50 books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and up include The Eyes of Pharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan adventure; The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with The Ghost on the Stairs. Her writing craft books include You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers, and Advanced Plotting.
Learn more at https://chriseboch.com/or her Amazon page, or check out her writing tips at her Write Like a Pro! blog.
Chris also writes for adults under the name Kris Bock. Kris Bock novels are action-packed romantic adventures set in Southwestern landscapes. The Mad Monk’s Treasurefollows a treasure hunt in New Mexico. Whispers in the Dark involves intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. Counterfeitsstarts a series about art theft. What We Found is a mystery with romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. Read excerpts at www.krisbock.comor visit her Amazon page.

The Murder That Inspired a Romantic #Mystery Novel, with @Kris_Bock

Many writers are inspired by real events or people in their lives. This makes difficult situations a form of research. “This stinks, but maybe I can use it in a book!” I write romantic suspense for adults as Kris Bock and middle grade novels (for ages 9 to 12) as Chris Eboch. 
In most of these books, the connection to real-life experiences isn’t obvious. In my romantic suspense Whispers in the Dark, my heroine is an archaeology Masters student working at the fictional “Lost Valley” monument, which is closely based on Hovenweep National Monument, where I once spent a week camping. In Counterfeits, the heroine inherits a children’s art camp, which I based on a camp near Jemez Springs, New Mexico, where I’ve attended many writing retreats. Using real locations helps me bring the settings to life even if I did not, for example, fall into a ravine while fleeing from a bad guy.
But What We Found was inspired by helping to uncover a true case of murder.
Lest you think that makes me some kind of amateur detective, my involvement was purely accidental. Two friends and I were exploring the mountains, looking for some suitable gravel to try gold panning (because, why not?). We found a likely spot and were about to take a sample when the guys smelled something horrible. A glance in the right direction showed them a dead body hidden just out of sight of the path.
The next hour passed in a surreal blur. We'd left our phones in another vehicle, at the base of the mountain. Once we retrieved them, we still had to find a place with cell reception. We called 911, waited for the police, and led them to the body. Later that night we were interviewed by detectives.
By the following day, they had identified the body as a woman who had been missing. Her estranged ex-boyfriend was already a suspect in her disappearance, but without her body they'd have trouble prosecuting him. Seeing her picture on TV and learning about her family made the situation real in a new way. We wanted justice for someone we’d never met.
It’s All Research
As a writer, I knew I was getting rare first-hand experience into something powerful. I took pages of notes during that first week, even though I didn’t know how or when I might use them. I was fortunate to be with two men who talked openly about their experiences: the nightmares, the guilt over violence against women, the anxiety that came from now wondering what you might see in the bushes.
Three things struck me most strongly.
First, we all felt deeply invested in the case, even though we’d never met the woman in life and didn’t know anyone else involved. We followed the news stories, even though they made us anxious. When the murderer was finally sentenced … well, we weren't happy (the sentence of less than 20 years of less than 20 years was not, in our opinion, nearly long enough), but we were relieved that it was over.
Second, it affected every aspect of our lives for weeks. Even though the likelihood of finding another body, or even witnessing a different crime, was extremely slim, we were on high alert at all times. It was a struggle to put it behind us while still honoring the memory of the victim and holding on to what we had learned.
And finally, someone in law enforcement said that often people don’t report crime scenes like these. How could someone walk away from that? I started thinking about all the reasons someone might want to cover up their discovery, even if they had nothing to do with the crime. And that inspired What We Found.
Turning Truth into Fiction
Several years passed before I felt distant enough from the experience to fictionalize it, but I still had all those notes and memories to draw on. Some elements of What We Found, mainly the emotional ones, are taken directly from that experience. Most character and plot elements are fictional, although some are loosely inspired by the real events.
This isn’t an experience I would wish on anyone, but we’re glad we helped bring a crime to light and a murderer to justice. And it led to what I consider my most powerful and personal novel to date. After all, one benefit to being a writer is that the worst experiences are still valuable as research.
That’s the truth behind What We Found .
What We Found
When Audra goes back to her small hometown after college, she simply 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.
“Another action-packed suspense novel by Kris Bock, perhaps her best to-date. The author weaves an intriguing tale with appealing characters. Watching Audra, the main character, evolve into an emotionally-mature and independent young woman is gratifying.” Reader Ellen Rippel
This title stands alone and is not part of a series.
About this Excerpt:
Several years ago I met a man who raises falcons and hawks. I tagged along on hunts and visited his home to see newly hatched hawks and falcons. Raising falcons is an intense, time-consuming, and expensive hobby, but as an author, I could do the next best thing – I could write about it.
The falconry aspect helped me develop thematic elements of What We Found, added some unusual action, and provided readers with insight into an usual pastime. One reader wrote, “The falconry aspect was almost as intriguing as the unveiling of the murderer!”
In What We Found, Audra has a love interest, Kyle. (This is suspense with a dose of romance, after all.) Audra accompanies Kyle on a falcon hunt in a scene closely based on my experiences with a falconer. Ricky is her twelve-year-old brother.
Excerpt:
“Does it bother you?” he asked. “The thought of her killing a rabbit?”
 “No … not exactly.” I glanced ahead at the beautiful hawk. “I mean, I know she has to eat. And that’s how it happens in the wild. It’s only….”
 “You don’t want to see it.”
 “It’s not even that.” I glanced at the decaying cactus. Just a plant, nothing more. I took a deep breath. “I guess I’m a little sensitive to dead things right now.”
 He went still. I finally looked at him closely. That had been an awful thing to say. Maybe he’d forgotten, for a few minutes, about his sister. And I’d reminded him.
 “I know what you mean,” he whispered.
 “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
 “No, you should. Believe me, it’s better to talk about whatever’s bothering you.”
 “But she was your sister. You don’t want to think about her like that.”
 “Do you think I can ever forget?” He looked down, and I wondered if he was seeing her again – the way she’d been in life, or the way she’d ended up.
 I couldn’t look away from his face. “That part’s been hard,” I said. “I haven’t had anyone to talk to. I mean, there are people who will listen, but I don’t think I can tell them what it was like. I’m not sure I can explain. I’m not sure they want to know.” I thought of Ricky, his naïve enthusiasm about hunting a murderer. He didn’t understand. But I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. Let him be a kid for a little longer.
 “You can talk to me,” he said. “I know what it’s like.”

Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. All ebooks are .99c to $3.99 or free with Kindle Unliminted.
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. 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.
To learn more about her latest work, visit www.krisbock.com or her Amazon page. Sign up for Kris Bock’s newsletterfor announcements of new books, sales, and more.
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The #Romance of Resorts by Cozy #Mystery Author Avery Daniels @My_AveryDaniels #MysteryExchange

I’m Avery Daniels, author of the Resort to Murder mystery series. My amateur sleuth, Julienne, works in a luxury resort and the plan is to have each book based in or around a resort. In my researching of resorts, the romantic appeal is apparent whether you are single, dating, or hitched.
Many, or most, of you have seen an episode of a reality show about finding love. Whether it’s the Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, Average Joe, Joe Millionaire, or the Cougar, the courtship is done in luxury locations and homes. There is something about being in a resort style setting that sparks romance. Many have even suggested that the reality shows create this illusion because of the locations that won’t hold up to normal life after the show.
I found many people talking about how romantic a resort is mention how they feel totally away from the ordinary and focused on each other. The top romantic resorts make that sense of a couple’s getaway a priority in the staff. Otherwise the setting varies based on the couple’s taste.
Are you into beaches with water activities, then you might like an indoor/outdoor villa complete with private infinity pool, private sand beach, champagne picnic for two, private excursions on the resort’s yacht, and torch or candle lit seaside dinner under the stars.
Maybe you enjoy traveling Europe, then you might swoon over canopy beds with a sunken hot-tub before a large fireplace, walking around a medieval town with historic ruins, touring centuries old olive groves and vineyards, strolling ancient forests crisscrossed by walking paths where you come across deer and pheasant. There are even a few historic manor houses or castles turned into luxury accommodations to immerse yourself in history.
Maybe a mountain oasis is more your speed with horseback riding around a lake, bicycling around mountain towns, skiing or snowboarding, hay rides, canoeing, swimming, and hiking. If you’re really adventurous you can white water raft, try some hot springs (even some clothing optional ones), spa and massage treatments, outdoor hot tubs, and enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores around communal fire pits. Or maybe order room service to enjoy with a sunken hot-tub before a large fireplace in your room. There are even luxury tent-cabins (called Glamping for glamour camping) that still have resort level amenities.
Then there is the safari resort experience to really get away from the ordinary. Wildlife viewing with excursions and day trips to wildlife preserves and learning about the native cultures are the draw for these resorts. Or maybe the theme park resort is more your style so you can play and be a kid again with all the adult luxuries.
There are many types that can even have a combination of the classifications in one resort. Here is a quick listing of the types or classifications of resorts around the world to consider: Beach Resorts, Golf Resorts, Island Resorts, Luxury Resorts, Lake, Mountain, Ski, Spa, Pet-Friendly, Theme Park, Historical, Dude Ranch, Singles, Couples, Adult-Only, Family, Eco-Tourism, Clothing-Optional, Casino and All Inclusive Resorts. Often times one resort will fall into a few categories.
Whatever your style, there is a resort to help you with your inner romantic. Even as a single person, I love the romance of resorts. Sometimes it is the beauty around the resorts that nurture a romantic mindset.
What would be the elements of your romantic getaway?
Avery Daniels was born and raised in Colorado, graduated from college with a degree in business administration and has worked in fortune 500 companies and Department of Defense her entire life. Her most eventful job was apartment management for 352 units. She still resides in Colorado with two brother black cats as her spirited companions. She volunteers for a cat shelter, enjoys scrapbooking and card making, photography, and painting in watercolor and acrylic. She inherited a love for reading from her mother and grandmother and grew up talking about books at the dinner table. 
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