Karen Docter's Blog, page 146
August 26, 2018
Congratulations Week 08-20-18 Blog Giveaway Winners!
[image error]CONGRATULATIONS WEEK
08-20-18
BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
~~~
[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Catherine Dilts…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Catherine will give away a hardback copy of INK OR SWIM (U.S. Only) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Catherine, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: SAMANTHA McFARLAND!
~~~
[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Stephanie Osborn…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Stephanie is giving away an ebook copy of ALPHA & OMEGA (Division One Book 1) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Stephanie, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: HELEN RODIN DRAKE!
~~~
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] Some secrets are better left dead.
Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.
Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.
There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.
(All Karen/K.L. Docter novels have HEAs, no cliffhangers.)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iFFWmg
B&N: http://goo.gl/wsqVxB
Kobo: http://goo.gl/KM563U
Google Play: http://goo.gl/mogQqs
iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN
[image error] In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.
S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stefani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.
But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.
[All of Karen/K.L. Docter’s books are HEA. No cliffhangers.]
Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://goo.gl/bUHNMu
B&N: http://goo.gl/6uoZTd
Kobo: http://goo.gl/fd92aB
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26183834-cop-on-her-doorstep
HAPPY READING!
All giveaway winners chosen by random.org from reader comments with the exception of Rafflecopter giveaways which are determined and announced offsite by publisher/authors. Thank you!
August 24, 2018
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with ALPHA AND OMEGA, Division One Book 1 Author Stephanie Osborn #recipe ~ Agent Echo’s Cottage Pie
[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with STEPHANIE OSBORN!
Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, STEPHANIE OSBORN, and her favorite recipe for AGENT ECHO’S COTTAGE PIE!!
~~~
ALPHA & OMEGA
Division One Book 1
BY STEPHANIE OSBORN
Blurb
Dr. Megan McAllister was already a pretty unusual human — NASA astronaut, professional astronomer, polymath — when she encountered the man in the black Suit that night in west Texas. What Division One Agent Echo didn’t know, when he recruited her to the Agency, was that she was even more special.
But he’d find out, soon enough.
~~~
[image error]ALPHA & OMEGA
Division One Book 1
BY STEPHANIE OSBORN
Excerpt
“I don’t get it,” said Romeo from his seat in the training observation room. “Y’all didn’t put ME through all this testing crap. Creativity testing and obstacle courses and puzzles an’ junk. I know we’re shorthanded an’ all, but…what gives? It’d be way simpler an’ quicker to just put her through the old testing.”
“We’re getting ready to start up a new department,” answered Fox, across the small conference table from Romeo; next to the younger agent sat his new partner, India. “Echo’s already agreed to head it up, while you were laid up with the leg. Good to see you off the crutches, by the way.”
“Damn good to be off ‘em. Still hobblin’ around a little, but that’ll go away eventually; ‘s why I’m keepin’ a cane handy for a while. So tell me about this new department. If you can, yet.”
“I can. It’ll be a kind of combination SWAT team and commando unit. Teams from this department will take the point whenever we have the really dangerous situations—the interstellar terrorists, the galactic invasions, things like that. We think, with her background, she may have what it takes to make it in this department. We sure as hell can’t send her back where she came from. She seems intrigued by the idea, at least. And no family complications to worry about. Single, only child, birth family gone in a car accident.”
“But, Fox, what if she can’t hang?”
“I don’t know yet, Romeo. We’ll cross that bridge—”
“We won’t have to,” interrupted Echo, coming into the testing observation room and moving past the table around which the others were seated, directly to the observing window. “She’ll make it.”
“But how do you know?” asked Romeo. “‘Got a feeling’?”
“Yup. Same one I had about you, junior.”
“WELL, the lady’ll hang, then.” Romeo sat back in his chair, satisfied.
“Damn,” muttered India.
Echo shot her a hard look, then returned his attention to the observation window overlooking the course.
“Have we started yet?”
“No,” Fox answered. “We’re still getting set up. And we were waiting for you.”
“I’m here. Let’s get rolling.”
“Done.” Fox hit a button on an adjacent control console.
Romeo, Echo, and India watched as the observation window, as well as a hooded monitor on the command console, showed several aliens of various types entering the obstacle course. Romeo gasped as he recognized a Betelgeusian giant arachnoid, possessing, by his estimate, a good fourteen- or fifteen-foot leg span—accompanied by several Division One agents sporting flamethrowers, lasers, blasters, and disintegrator rifles, entering the course. Two heavily-armed guards in black armor moved into position at the entrance. Romeo and India noticed then, with a shock, that they were FACING the course, as if the concern was from something inside.
“Hope she’s not afraid of spiders,” Echo remarked offhandedly.
“Hope she’s not afraid of death,” Romeo murmured to India. “Shit.”
* * *
Megan came into the observation room just then. She was wearing black workout leggings and sports-bra top, but the rest of her attire was somewhat odd: menswear-style black lace-up dress shoes, a black tie, a dress leather belt, and a pair of the special goggles-cum-sunglasses strapped to one hip. An unusual device, like a large plastic bangle bracelet, was fastened around her right ankle. Sensors attached to her head and torso connected to a small transmitter pack on her back. Echo met her and led her to the command console.
“All right, Megan,” Fox began, waving a hand at the view in the monitor, which now only depicted a door and two guards, “this is the obstacle course. When you go through that door,” he pointed to the image of the guarded door on the monitor, “you will enter the first of a series of six rooms, each of which has various…impediments…to your progress. Your objective is simply to reach the exit of room six as quickly as possible. The tracking device on your ankle will enable us to monitor your progress. You may make use of anything on your person, as well as anything you find along the course. In addition, you may select from one—and only one—of the items on this side table.”
Megan eyed the monitor display in detail before Fox led her over to the table. On it was an eclectic collection of items: a Phillips-head screwdriver, a small glass bottle, a pair of wire cutters, a coil of rope, a pen knife, a jar of cheese spread, a pocket-sized Winchester & Tesla Mark II death ray, a packet of facial tissues, and a chocolate bar.
Megan was in no rush. She scanned the table carefully, considering, as the four Division One agents watched. She looked herself up and down, fingering the items she already carried. Echo watched as she flipped over the tie and checked to see what was on the label. He smiled inwardly, pleased as he followed her mental processes, realizing he understood how she thought. Finally she reached out, picked up the pen knife, and clipped it to the belt at her waist.
Echo raised an eyebrow in carefully-hidden surprise and looked at Fox, who returned his gaze unemotionally. Romeo and India watched the whole scene in amazement.
“Ready, then?” Fox asked Megan.
“As I’ll ever be.”
“All right. Follow me.”
As Fox led Megan out, Echo turned to the console, put on a headset, and began entering commands. Romeo and India walked up to the observation window, and Echo hit a button. Blast shutters on the window began to close.
“Sorry, kids. Can’t watch this one; you’ll have to go through this yourselves soon enough.”
“Oh, joy,” India muttered.
“You can monitor her progress on this schematic.” Echo hit another sequence of commands, and a panel opened on the wall. It showed the layout of six variously-shaped, interconnected rooms, a number on each room.
“How are you gonna evaluate her if you can’t see what she’s doing?” Romeo asked him, as he and India sat back down at the table, across from the schematic.
“I didn’t say Fox and I couldn’t watch. I’ve been through it. You haven’t. Yet.”
Fox re-entered the room. “She’s ready, Echo.”
“All right, then.” Echo handed Fox another headset, then keyed the microphone switch. “Megan? GO!”
[image error]Meet Author Stephanie Osborn…
Stephanie Osborn, aka the Interstellar Woman of Mystery, former rocket scientist and author of acclaimed science fiction mysteries, goes back to the urban legend of the unique group of men and women who show up at UFO sightings, alien abductions, etc. and make the evidence…disappear…to craft her vision of the universe we don’t know about—the universe containing a galactic civilization and government, of which Earth is a provisional member. Her new series, Division One, chronicles this universe through the eyes of recruit Megan McAllister, aka Omega, and her experienced partner, Echo, as they handle everything from lost alien children to extraterrestrial assassination attempts and more.
Division One books, in order:
Alpha & Omega
A Small Medium At Large
A Very UnCONventional Christmas
Tour de Force
Trojan Horse
Texas Rangers
Definition & Alignment
Coming soon:
Phantoms (book 8 – October 2018)
Head Games (book 9 – Winter 2019)
Break, Break Houston (book 10 – Spring 2019)
with more planned.
I also hope to release the adjuncts to the series, The Division One Agents Handbook and The Division One Cookbook. Can’t promise on those yet.
~~~
Links to Stephanie’s website, blog, books, etc.
Available in print and ebook: bit.ly/DivOnebk1
Website: http://www.stephanie-osborn.com/
Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Osborn/e/B0026DM46M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1429811278&sr=8-1
I hope you enjoy the recipe Stephanie is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 386 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Please note that this recipe is copyrighted and will likely be included in a series adjunct, The Division One Cookbook.
AGENT ECHO’S COTTAGE PIE
[Makes 2-4 cottage pies]
• 3T cooking oil (whatever’s handy)
• 3lb ground beef (chopped-up steak leftovers work good, too)
• 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 package button mushrooms, cleaned & sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3T flour
• 1T tomato paste
• 3-3.5 cups beef stock
• about a half-cup of red wine (Meg likes shiraz; sometimes I use a whole cup, but you gotta cut back on the stock, or it’s too runny)
• 4T Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• dried or fresh thyme to taste, preferably whole sprigs so I can take ’em out later
• salt & pepper to taste
• 4-5lb potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup milk
• 2T butter
• about 1.5-2 cups grated sharp cheese (sharp cheddar works fine, but Meg loves Cheshire when I can get it)
Heat 1T oil in a large saucepan and fry the meat until browned. Put the rest of the oil into the pan, add the vegetables and cook on low until soft, about 20 mins. Add garlic, flour and tomato sauce. Increase the heat and cook for a few mins, then return the beef to the pan. Add wine, and boil to reduce it slightly. Add stock, Worcestershire sauce and herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45 mins. By this time the gravy should be thick and coating the meat. Check it after a half-hour, and adjust heat to thicken gravy if necessary. Season well, then discard the bay leaves and thyme stalks. Let it cool, otherwise, the potatoes sink in and make a mess later. Still tastes good, though.
In another large saucepan, cover the potatoes in salted cold water, bring to boil and simmer until fork-tender. Drain ’em, then let ’em sit for a few mins. Mash with milk, butter, and three-quarters of the cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dump the meat and veg mix into baking dishes. Spoon the potatoes over it, top with cheese, and cook at 450F for about half an hour, checking for brownness. A couple minutes under the broiler gives it a nice gold top.
Makes 2 large or 4 small cottage pies. Freeze extras, uncooked, for later.
(For Meg: Make sure they’re cool before you try to freeze ’em. Best to thaw ’em before baking; takes less time. If you go straight from freezer to oven, either heat at 350F for about an hour and a half, then kick it back up to 450F for 20min, or flip the oven over to the Gargarun setting and cook at 450 for 30min. You gotta watch it, though; that Gargarun setting will overcook it fast, and you’ll have a big charcoal briquette. Fox doesn’t like it when the smoke alarms go off.)
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Stephanie is giving away an ebook copy of ALPHA & OMEGA (Division One Book 1) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Stephanie, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
August 23, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: FULL BLOOM, The Holly and Ivy Mystery Series – Book 3 by Sally Handley
[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
~~
FULL BLOOM
The Holly and Ivy Mystery Series – Book 3
BY SALLY HANDLEY
Blurb
Looking forward to a relaxing stay in the Catskills after her break-up with Nick Manelli, Holly Donnelly and her sister Ivy have their plans thwarted when, once again, they become involved in a murder investigation. The day they arrive at Kate Farmer’s house in rustic Reddington Manor, they discover the body of Kate’s next-door neighbor, Chuck Dwyer, in a pool of blood on his kitchen floor. In a rush to judgement, the local sheriff sets his sights on 17-year old Tommy Cranston, but Kate insists Tommy is innocent. Can the sister sleuths prove that a shifty neighbor, the victim’s widow and local drug dealers all have better motives for the murder? And can Ivy and Kate unravel another mystery — the cause of Holly and Nick’s break-up and the chances of their getting back together?
[image error]FULL BLOOM
The Holly and Ivy Mystery Series – Book 3
BY SALLY HANDLEY
Excerpt
1 KATE’S PLACE
“Remember what I told you before we left. I refuse to talk about it.” Holly Donnelly slammed the car door leaving her sister Ivy sitting inside.
Ivy shook her head, pausing as she reached for the door handle. The two-hour drive from New Jersey to Kate Farmer’s house in the Catskills had been deadly quiet. Since Ivy’s arrival from South Carolina the day before, Holly had simply refused to discuss her break-up with Nick Manelli.
Ivy sighed and opened the passenger side door. By the time she got out of the car, Holly had opened the back door and Lucky, her border collie, jumped out. A smiling Kate Farmer appeared on the porch of the rambling Victorian house as her dog, Amy, bounded down the steps towards the newly arrived guests. Kate quickly followed, her arms open wide. She hugged Holly first, then Ivy as the dogs ran in frenzied circles around them, jumping up and down, barking wildly.
“Okay, okay, you guys. Calm down,” Holly said reaching down to pet Amy.
“Don’t waste your breath.” The petite, olive-skinned Kate laughed, her cropped brown curls glistening in the sun. “This exuberance at the arrival of guests is a biological imperative. Actually, on the inside I’m feeling the same way.” Kate put an arm around each of the sisters and squeezed. “It’s so good to see you guys!”
“Good to see you, too.” Holly smiled walking back to the car and opening the trunk. Amy and Lucky had calmed down, but the sound of barking continued, coming from the neighbor’s yard.
“Who’s that? Sounds like a big dog bark,” Ivy said as she reached into the trunk and grabbed her overnight bag.
“Oh, that’s just Winston, my neighbor Chuck’s golden Lab. He and Amy share neighborhood watch duties. He’ll calm down after we get out of the driveway.”
“I hope so,” Holly said. “Kate, could you grab my bag. I don’t want to move again once I sit down on that porch. I’ll carry the Michelob.”
Kate eyed the case of beer and exchanged a quick glance with Ivy who just arched her eyebrows in reply.
***************
“So what’s new in Reddington Manor?” Holly asked after lunch as she dropped into the wicker chair and poured beer into a frosted mug.
Kate’s smile turned grim. “Believe it or not, quite a lot’s been happening. And none of it good.”
“Really?” Ivy sat forward, a look of alarm on her face.
“Really. There’s been a rash of burglaries. Some people say it’s drug dealers from Monticello.” Kate frowned. “But a few people suspect Tommy Cranston and his friends.”
“Cranston?” Holly wrinkled her brow. “Isn’t that your neighbor’s son? The one up the street.”
“Yeah.” Kate nodded. “But I don’t believe it. Not Tommy.”
“Do we need to be worried?” Ivy grimaced. “Aren’t you afraid to be here all by yourself?”
Before Kate could respond, the barking next door resumed. “You hear that? Between Amy and Winston, I never worry. If you think this is loud, you should hear them if anything–man or beast– comes near our houses at night. Amy has an absolutely blood-curdling yowl she lets loose, and if Winston isn’t already barking, she sets him off. That’s when I relax and know I have nothing to worry about.”
Holly laughed as she took another swallow of beer, but Ivy looked confused. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“Well, Chuck has what amounts to a small arsenal over there.” Kate tilted her head in the direction of the ramshackle house next door.
“Oh.” Ivy sat back, appearing a bit relieved.
“Yeah, I’d be more worried Chuck might accidentally start a fire and the whole place would explode like a powder keg.” Holly chortled.
“Great.” Ivy closed her eyes and shook her head.
“Stop scaring your sister. Let’s change the topic to something more interesting,” Kate said moving to the edge of her chair, focusing a penetrating stare at Holly. “Why did you and Nick break up, and what are you going to do to get him back is what I want to talk about?”
Holly glared at her. “I told my sister before she got out of the car, and I’m going to tell you this–only once. I have no intention of talking about it. We split up. End of story.” She lifted the mug to her lips and finished what was left of her beer.
“Oh, come on!” Kate sat up straight and put her hands on her hips. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“No, I’m not.” Holly stood up, grabbed her mug and the empty beer can and went inside the kitchen.
Kate looked at Ivy. “She’s kidding, right?”
“No, I’m afraid not.” Ivy shrugged. “She absolutely refuses to discuss it.” Moving next to Kate on the wicker love seat, she whispered, “You know, I was ecstatic in January when she called to tell me Nick proposed.”
“They seemed so happy and so perfect for each other.” Kate shook her head, a genuinely perplexed look on her face. “Nick seemed like such a genuinely decent guy.”
“I agree. I think the problem is Nick is as strong and sure of himself as she is.”
Kate let out a sigh. “But that’s why I thought, at 55, she’d finally met her match.”
“Me, too.”
“Shh. Here she comes.”
Holly returned to the porch, another frosted mug and beer in hand. Dropping into the cushioned chaise facing her friend and her sister, she smiled and said, “Lovely weather we’re having, isn’t it?”
“Holly!” Kate squealed, pounding the arm of the loveseat in exasperation.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure we can find plenty more interesting things to talk about.” Slowly she poured the beer into the mug and the three women watched as the frothy head rose, stopping exactly at the top edge of the glass.
“This is going to be a mighty dull weekend if all we have to do is watch you pour beer into your glass,” Kate muttered.
Holly grinned as she raised the mug in a toast. “Here’s to a mighty dull weekend.”
Before she could lower her glass, a loud and mournful howl pierced the air, causing her to spill some of the beer. Amy began barking and Lucky pointed her nose skyward and howled in reply.
“Lucky’s never done that before,” Holly said putting her mug down on the side table.
Kate stood up and looked toward her neighbor’s house. “You know, Chuck’s truck is in the driveway. He’s usually gone to work before I get up, but I was so busy getting ready for your arrival, I didn’t think anything of it.” She started down the steps. “That dog’s been barking off and on all morning. I wonder if something’s wrong.” She descended the steps and the dogs ran ahead in the direction of the howls. Holly followed.
“Wait.” Ivy remained standing on the porch. “Why don’t you call him first?”
Kate looked back and shook her head. “No. I’ll just check on the dog.”
Ivy sighed as she watched Kate, Holly and the two dogs disappear behind the stand of shrubs that partially separated the properties. After a moment she slowly walked down the steps and followed. The howling and barking stopped before she reached the shrubs.
Looking to her left, she saw Kate opening the gate of a huge dog pen at the far end of the property. Ivy laughed as a large yellow Lab jumped up putting its paws on Kate’s shoulders, nearly knocking her over. Turning towards the house, Ivy noticed the back door was ajar. She hoped Chuck wasn’t loading his gun in response to the commotion in his backyard.
Cautiously, she approached the back stoop and stopped a few feet shy of the partially open screen door. “Hello.” When no one answered, she repeated more loudly. “Hello. Anyone home?” Still no answer. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Kate was filling a water bowl from a hose and Holly was laughing as the three dogs cavorted on the grass.
Ivy turned and stepped on the cinderblock that served as a step to Chuck’s back stoop. Again, she said, “Hello,” as she leaned over and peered through the window. Oh, no, no, no.
On the floor a man was lying on his side. She felt an adrenalin rush as her nursing instincts kicked in. Pulling the screen door wide open she stepped inside. That’s when she saw the meat cleaver in his chest. Dried blood surrounded the wound, darkening the red shirt he wore. A pool of blood trailed from the body under the refrigerator. Ivy’s hand trembled as she felt for a pulse. Nothing.
Standing up, she turned and went back outside. Holly and Kate were headed towards her, laughing as Lucky rolled under Winston and knocked Amy off her feet.
“The poor thing was thirsty,” Kate said. “He must have knocked over…” She stopped as soon as she saw Ivy’s ashen face.
Holly ran to her sister. “What’s wrong?”
Ivy sank down on the edge of the stoop. “It’s not going to be a dull weekend.”
[image error]About Author Sally Handley…
President of the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of Sisters in Crime (SinC), Sally Handley debuted her Holly and Ivy cozy mystery series with her first book, Second Bloom, in May of 2017. Frost on the Bloom followed in November of 2017. Full Bloom is slated for publication this November. She also writes a blog entitledOn Writing, Reading and Retirement (www.sallyhandley.com).
An avid reader, Sally has been a mystery lover since she read her first Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books as a young girl. An English major, she graduated from Douglass College at Rutgers University and earned her Master’s Degree with a concentration in Shakespearean studies from Wroxton College, Oxfordshire, England.
After six years as a public school teacher, Sally transitioned into business, and had a 30 year career as a professional services marketer. She returned to teaching as an adjunct professor of English before retiring in 2015. Now a resident of Mauldin, SC, she devotes her time to writing cozy mysteries and gardening.
~~~
Links to Sally’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Handley/e/B071F6ZRSG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1509711347&sr=8-1
E-mail: sally@sallyhandley.com
www.sallyhandley.com
Subscribe to my blog: http://03ca48c.netsolhost.com/WordPress/blog/
Follow my author page on Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Handley/e/B071F6ZRSG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sally.handley1
Twitter: @authorSHandley
Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyhandleyinc/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16850782.Sally_Handley
~~
Thanks, Sally, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
August 22, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: SLASHING MONA LISA by D.M. Barr
[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
~~
SLASHING MONA LISA
BY D.M. BARR
Blurb
Most people are dying to lose a few pounds. Not so in Slashing Mona Lisa, where it’s the weight-loss advocates who are losing their lives…
Whenever Terry Mangel’s body acceptance revival meeting rolls into town, local diet execs and “fat shamers” turn up dead, often in grotesque, ironic ways. All single murders in small suburbs, no one’s noticed a pattern, until rookie journalist Camarin Torres takes a closer look. Torres is a crusader against discrimination, partially to assuage the guilt she feels over her involvement in the suicide of her obese, bullied twin sister. She reluctantly accepts a job offered by handsome publisher Lyle Fletcher, a widower with a vendetta, who sees the recent college grad as salvation for Trend, his fledgling fashion magazine. Torres, however, detests everything the publication stands for, and joins solely to transform its judgmental, objectifying content.
As an unexpected romance blossoms, the overconfident, justice-hungry reporter defies orders and infiltrates Mangel’s world, only to find herself in the crosshairs of a vigilante group targeting the $60 billion diet industry. Unmasking the killer may save her life but shatter her heart: every clue seems to implicate Fletcher, her mercurial mentor and lover, as the group’s mastermind. Slashing Mona Lisa explores body shaming and its victims: the disenfranchised who don’t conform to society’s arbitrary norms and the lengths they will go to for love and acceptance.
SLASHING MONA LISA
BY D.M. BARR
Excerpt
Camarin set the paperweight back down and looked at Fletcher’s face, so animated as he assured the caller that this was going to be the year of Trend. Not my version of Trend, she thought. As he hung up the phone, she decided to press forward.
“Mr. Fletcher, I’d be happy to help with the copyediting. But if I can safely prove to you that there’s something more behind the Blubber Be Gone murder, without going out and personally putting myself in harm’s way, would you consider a piece on the possible implications behind it? I’d get in at five o’clock every morning to research it.”
Fletcher shook his head and laughed.
“Camarin, you strike me as a persistent young lady, and it’s clear you’re not easily dissuaded. Hans Wynan must approve all copy decisions. Do you honestly think you can investigate this subtly, without letting him know you’re not giving him a hundred percent of your attention?”
“I do.”
“Okay, let’s keep this just between us. I’d like you to work up a preliminary outline of the story you propose. Get it to me by Friday?”
Camarin smiled her first big smile of the day. Inside, she was performing mental cartwheels. “I’d be delighted to, Mr. Fletcher.”
“Camarin, I do have one problem with you.”
“You do?” Her high-flying elation took a sudden nosedive.
“Yes, and I’m only going to say this once. Please call me Lyle.”
She took a deep breath. “Lyle…it just doesn’t feel right. You’re my boss, and in the Chamorro culture, we pay profound respect to—”
“The elderly?”
She was about to apologize, to tell him that she was referring to supervisors, when she caught the evil glimmer in his eyes and realized he was just kidding with her. Emboldened by her big win of the day, she ignored Monaeka’s voice telling her to play it safe, that a handsome man would never be interested in a girl like her, and instead her impulsive streak took over. She decided to take a gamble.
“If I was indicating you were elderly, you’d definitely know it,” she countered, echoing the line he’d used the day they’d met.
“Oh, how so?”
“You really want to know?”
Fletcher nodded.
She stood up, silently begging her knees not to buckle underneath her, and shot a look backward to ensure the door was closed. Then she walked around the desk until she was standing at Fletcher’s side.
“Give me your hand.”
Fletcher held out his right arm. Locking her gaze with his, Camarin grasped his palm, bowed her head slightly, lifted the back of his hand to her nose and sniffed deeply. The sweet-soapy-musky tones of Tabac romanced her olfactory glands, reminding her of summers spent at Macy’s, selling men’s fragrances.
“This custom is called nginge’,” she explained. “Elders are considered manåmko’, and those who are considered to hold wisdom are called mañaina. When we sniff the back of your hand, it is our way of taking in the essence of your spirit while expressing respect and honor.”
“Really? Hmmm,” he said softly, the words smooth as lip gloss, his eyes never wavering from her. The heat emanating from their clasped hands hinted at secrets yet unspoken.
“Yes. And I would curtsy slightly, like this, and since you are a man—”
“I am indeed a man,” he murmured.
Camarin felt herself blushing but persevered. “Since you are a man, I would say ñot, and you would say—” She felt him squeeze her hand as they continued their unbroken stare.
“I would say…”
She coughed. “You would say dioste ayudi, which means—”
At that moment, there was a loud knock on the door. Startled, Camarin pulled away just as Hans barged inside.
“Lyle, I need your approval on the Have You Heard? seg—oh, Camarin, I didn’t realize you were in here.”
“I-I was just leaving.” She grabbed at her pad and pen but hit the edge of the ballpoint instead, sending it careening through the air and crash-landing in a corner by the window. Klutz! “Thanks again, Mr.…L-Lyle,” she stammered and practically slammed into Wynan as she made a beeline for the door.
Once outside, she leaned against the wall, trying to ignore Monaeka’s laughter at her failed attempt at flirtation, her heart pounding as loud and fast as a native drumbeat.
“Pitch giving you trouble, Cam?” asked Rachel as she passed, her hands filled with office supplies.
“Excuse me?” she answered, still disoriented from whatever that was.
“Pitch and toss. Boss.”
“Oh, no, nothing like that. I was just—” Camarin’s cellphone started vibrating, interrupting her thought. She pulled it from her pocket and, hand quivering, put it up to her ear. “Yes?”
“You were saying, which means…”
Her knees grew weak again. Fletcher had her private number?
Camarin turned away from Rachel and whispered into the phone, “Which means God help you.”
“Ah. Well, considering our upcoming plans to turn this magazine around, I’d say, He’d better help us both.”
SLASHING MONA LISA
BY D.M. BARR
Interview
What was the inspiration for this current novel?
I noticed that two different camps target those who feel they are overweight. One camp is the traditional weight loss industry but the other is the group of “experts” telling the overweight they’re fine just the way they are—as long as they pay thousands to read books and attend seminars that reinforce this fact. It seems that hope and validation are the most expensive items for sale. That’s the premise of Slashing Mona Lisa.
Where did the title “Slashing Mona Lisa” come from?
In my twenties, I was skinny (I always have gone up and down in weight) and was dating a Scotsman in the travel industry. I warned him that I had a tendency to gain weight. He responded, “Don’t do that, it would be like slashing the Mona Lisa.” I broke up with him shortly afterwards.. One of the characters in this novel repeats that line verbatim and it encapsulates my feelings about how some people sum up a person’s entire worth by numbers on the scale.
Have you suffered any of the weight angst that your characters experience in the book?
I’ve traveled the road between size 2 and size 16 many times in my life and I’ve known men who were kind and friendly to me when skinny and avoided me like the plague when I gained weight. I think a lot of the angst is self-inflicted however, thanks to a mother who in many ways, was like Ana in the book, very concerned about a daughter’s weight over everything else. I have tried very hard not to repeat that mistake with my children
Are there similarities between the characters in this book and your last novel?
I am noticing some recurrent themes in my books, so novel writing has become an affordable form of psychoanalysis! My books always seem to have a girl tied to a bed, though the reasons are very different in each book. They also have complicated mother-daughter relationships. Both books have LGBTQ characters but Slashing Mona Lisa is far more multi-cultural. And I think both novels reflect my past—in Expired Listings, my life as a Realtor and my friendships with people in the BDSM scene and in Slashing Mona Lisa, my feelings as a yoyo dieter, my friends in the world of dueling piano bars and my fascination with Cockney rhyming slang.
Why is your main character Chamorro in Slashing Mona Lisa?
I needed a heroine whose family had roots in tribal religions, who might believe that an epileptic or overweight person could be possessed by the devil. The exorcism scene was key to the storyline. But there is a lot of multi-culturalism in Slashing Mona Lisa—Chamorro, British, Jamaican, African-American, Asian as well as characters from the LGBQT community. It’s a true reflection of living in NYC.
How long does it take for you to write a book?
Anywhere from one month to ten years! Not to sound glib but my first book actually took ten years, on and off. With this one, I signed up for NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month, in November 2017, and pledged to write 50,000 words in 30 days. I ended up writing 65,000 which I added to the 9,000 I started with. During the editing phase, it grew to 86,000+. That daily discipline worked wonders!
Do you know the ending before writing your books?
When I started this book, I had three different potential storylines, each with a different killer. The ending that made the cut was a compromise between two of those storylines. I can’t say more without revealing too much except to say that romances and side plots often develop as I write. I have no control over what my characters do or their sometimes-crude language. I apologize on their behalf.
What’s next for you?
My next novel will be more of a contemporary romance unless I manage to stick in a murder or two. Since I try to explore issues in my books, this one will tackle elder abuse.
[image error]About Author D.M. Barr…
WHO IS D.M. BARR?
By day, a mild-mannered salesperson, wife, mother, rescuer of senior shelter dogs, competitive trivia player and author groupie, happily living just north of New York City. By night, an author of sex, suspense and satire.
My background includes stints in travel marketing, travel journalism, meeting planning, public relations and real estate. I was, for a long and happy time, an award-winning magazine writer and editor. Then kids happened. And I needed to actually make money. Now they’re off doing whatever it is they do (of which I have no idea since they won’t friend me on Facebook) and I can spend my spare time weaving tales of debauchery and whatever else tickles my fancy.
The main thing to remember about my work is that I am NOT one of my characters. For example, as a real estate broker, I’ve never played Bondage Bingo in one of my empty listings or offed anyone at my local diet clinic.
But that’s not to say I haven’t wanted to…
~~~
Links to D.B.’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/7gi63q
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/ en/ebook/slashing-mona-lisa
Beachwalk Press:
http://beachwalkpress. com/shop/slashing-mona-lisa/
Barnes & Noble:
https://www. barnesandnoble.com/w/slashing- mona-lisa-dm-barr/1129081761? ean=9780997711844
Website: http://www.dmbarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ authordmbarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@ authordmbarr
Contact: authordmbarr@yahoo.com
~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: D.M. is giving away a paperback copy of SLASHING MONA LISA to one lucky reader who follows her on Twitter (@authordmbarr) or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/authordmbarr) or adds their name to my mailing list at http://www.dmbarr.com.
Thanks, D.M., for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
August 21, 2018
**Author Peek** Interview by Charles Kowalski, Author of THE DEVIL’S SON
[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
~~
THE DEVIL’S SON
BY CHARLES KOWALSKI
Blurb
The son of a Nazi fugitive is running for U.S. President. A Secret Service agent sworn to protect him meets a beautiful Mossad spy determined to stop him.
THE DEVIL’S SON
BY CHARLES KOWALSKI
Interview
INTRODUCING…Charles.
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full – time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
I grew up in New York and New Jersey, and my American home is now Downeast Maine, but I’ve lived abroad for over 20 years, most of them at my current job teaching at a university near Tokyo. Work, writing, and family pretty much occupy all my time!
1. What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
The early stage of getting a fresh idea, diving into research, and putting the first few words on paper (or screen).
2. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. It would save me a fortune on airfare (even though I imagine jet lag would be a beast).
3. Do you ever get stuck when you’re writing a book? What do you do to get “unstuck”?
Usually, work on a different book! I always seem to have multiple projects going at once, so if one stalls, I spend some time on another.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
When I think my first draft is done, and then a character comes up to me and says: “Not bad, but don’t you think I need to be developed more? There’s this adventure I’m thinking of going on, which will only take about 15,000 words, plus research of course.”
5. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
You just happened to catch me on one of my visits to Maine, so your reward would be lobster risotto with gruyere!
6. What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I’d gone more with intuition than “expert” advice, and focused more on getting my book published than on books and webinars about getting my book published!
7. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
Emotions are the area where I seem to struggle most. Maybe some of my ancestors came from a planet whose inhabitants long ago rejected emotion in favor of analytical, dispassionate logic, but I’m not sure; my parents were always a little evasive when I asked them.
8. A penguin walks into your office, right now, wearing a sombrero. What does he say to you and why is he here?
“Excuse me, I came all the way from Antarctica on an urgent mission to tell you…”
“Hang on. An urgent mission, you say? And yet you stopped in Mexico for margaritas?”
“You can always make time for the things that really matter.”
9. If you could wave a magic wand, what ill in the world would you solve and why?
That’s a tough one! I feel that most of the ills in the world come from human attitudes, and those aren’t susceptible to magical manipulation (short of an Unforgivable Curse). But if the magic wand can influence the weather, maybe it could bring the temperature of the planet down a couple of degrees.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published? Please provide links to your website, blog, books, etc.
THE DEVIL’S SON was released at the end of July. I took my inspiration partly from the true story of the Mossad manhunt for Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele, and I recently discovered I wasn’t the only one whose attention turned to that episode at this moment in history. It’s also told in the film OPERATION FINALE, coming out next week, and THE DEVIL’S SON is an imaginary story that begins where that true story ends.
[image error]About Author Charles Kowalski…
Charles Kowalski is a member of the honorary society of International Thriller Writers. His debut thriller, MIND VIRUS, won the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Colorado Gold Award for Best Action Thriller, and is now a finalist for Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion Award for Best Thriller of 2017. His latest, THE DEVIL’S SON, was shortlisted for the Adventure Writer’s Competition Grandmaster Award. He divides his time between Japan (where he teaches at a university near Tokyo) and Downeast Maine.
~~~
Links to Charles’ website, blog, books, etc.
The Devil’s Son: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZ7TX5Z?tag=smarturlebook-20
Website: https://charleskowalski.com/
~~
Thanks, Charles, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
August 20, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: INK OR SWIM, Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library Series by Catherine Dilts
[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
~~
INK OR SWIM
Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library Series
BY CATHERINE DILTS
Blurb
Join Faith Newberry and her cat, Watson, in the quaint town of Lighthouse Bay on Cape Cod in Massachusetts as she marries her love of books to a penchant for sleuthing. After landing her dream job as a librarian at Castleton Manor, an upscale literary retreat, Faith is forced to read between the lines and solve the mysteries she finds between the stacks.
In book 14 of the Secrets of the Castleton Manor cozy mystery series, the luxurious mansion hosts a literary and historical conference during Lighthouse Bay Whaling Days. While attending an event dedicating a replica whaling ship, Faith discovers a guest murdered with an antique harpoon. The victim’s valuable scrimshaw goes missing at the same time. His widow claims the piece of engraved whale bone is from the Essex, a whaling ship whose story inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Faith sifts through suspects who have the skill to use a harpoon, and the desire to kill for scrimshaw. Faith’s cat Watson teams up with a timid dachshund to discover clues to the murder, while Faith’s attraction to the mansion’s handsome owner provides a welcome distraction from an increasingly dangerous investigation.
[image error]INK OR SWIM
Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library Series
BY CATHERINE DILTS
Excerpt
Faith had lost sight of Watson, but maybe the two men could tell her which way he went. She approached cautiously, only able to see their silhouettes as they slipped into the shadows between two stacks of crates. One was dressed in a utilitarian pea coat, while the other wore street clothes and a bushy walrus mustache like the museum director.
The men seemed to be hiding, which made Faith nervous, but she was even more anxious to retrieve her wandering cat. Besides, the Constance Merit was close enough that she could yell for help. Faith tried not to think about the fact that her voice hadn’t carried between the two docks just moments ago, when she’d called out to Watson.
The wood dock had become slick under the thin layer of snow. Faith was beginning to consider the foolishness of her lone journey when she caught a glimpse of black and white fur. Watson was a resourceful cat, but spending a night outdoors in a snowstorm was not a situation Faith intended to allow. If she could catch him.
Watson sat on the end of the dock, staring out at the choppy waves. Faith would have to pass the stack of crates hiding the two men. As she neared the crates, a spear trailing a rope sliced through the veil of snowflakes. A man cried out.
Ink or Swim is available by joining the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series from Annie’s Fiction. It’s like subscribing to a magazine, only you receive a terrific installment in a mystery series every month!
[image error]About Author Catherine Dilts…
Catherine Dilts is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, while her short stories appear regularly in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, Catherine’s stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains. Her short story Do-Over appears in the 2018 anthology Blood and Gasoline. She takes a turn in the multi-author sweet cozy mystery series Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library with Ink or Swim. You can learn more about Catherine’s fiction at http://www.catherinedilts.com/
~~~
Links to Catherine’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://www.catherinedilts.com/
Subscribe to the entire series, go to the Annie’s Fiction website: https://www.anniesfiction.com/
~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Catherine will give away a hardback copy of INK OR SWIM (US Only) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. A review is always appreciated!
Thanks, Catherine, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
August 19, 2018
Congratulations Week 08-06-18 Blog Giveaway Winner!!
[image error]
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK
08-06-18
BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
~~~
[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Karen C. Whalen…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Karen will give away an ebook copy of A STEWED OBSERVATION to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Karen, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: EILEEN AW!
~~~
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] Some secrets are better left dead.
Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.
Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.
There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.
(All Karen/K.L. Docter novels have HEAs, no cliffhangers.)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iFFWmg
B&N: http://goo.gl/wsqVxB
Kobo: http://goo.gl/KM563U
Google Play: http://goo.gl/mogQqs
iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN
[image error] In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.
S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stefani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.
But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.
[All of Karen/K.L. Docter’s books are HEA. No cliffhangers.]
Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://goo.gl/bUHNMu
B&N: http://goo.gl/6uoZTd
Kobo: http://goo.gl/fd92aB
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26183834-cop-on-her-doorstep
HAPPY READING!
All giveaway winners chosen by random.org from reader comments with the exception of Rafflecopter giveaways which are determined and announced offsite by publisher/authors. Thank you!
August 7, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench & Fixin’s Blogs on Brief Hiatus ~ I’ll be Back!
To my Lovely Readers,
I’m going on hiatus (I know, that word hasn’t been in my vocabulary for years) until August 20th but I didn’t want you to worry. I’m having surgery and my doctor’s being a stick-in-the-mud and demanding at least a week of not working. Two more words that aren’t in my vocabulary! But, like any good Schwartzenegger character, I’ll be back…with bells on…NOT a Schwartzenegger character.
So, beyond announcing the winner of this week’s blog giveaway next week, my next official blog date is August 20th. So be sure to come back then. I’ll be coming back with some exciting new authors AND a surprise or two beginning in September. (Hint: I have a Kindle here for someone. Watch for details.)
In the meantime…Happy Reading!
That’s about all I’ll be doing for the next two weeks. Oh, goody!! My TBR pile is toppling. Still, going to miss you guys!
Karen
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: THE PROTECTOR, Games People Play by HelenKay Dimon
[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
~~~
THE PROTECTOR
Games People Play
BY HELENKAY DIMON
Blurb
Salvation, Pennsylvania. The commune located in the small town was advertised as a modern Utopia: a place to live, share, and learn with other like-minded young people. Cate Pendleton’s sister was one of them. Now she’s dead—and Cate won’t rest until she finds out who killed her. Stonewalled at every turn, she approaches a DC Fixer for help and ends up with Damon Knox, a mysterious man with a secretive past. But Cate soon discovers that she not only needs Damon, she wants him, which isn’t good—for the attraction brewing between them will only lead to complications that can turn into danger . . .
Damon has tried to erase the hellish memories and the evil that happened in Salvation ever since he left a long time ago. Still, he can’t turn his back on Cate. As Damon works with Cate to uncover her sister’s killer, he finds himself drawn to her more and more. But how will she feel about him when she learns about his connection to the place?
Joining forces to uncover the truth, they must stay one step ahead of a cunning killer who’s bent on not being exposed.
About the Book
The Protector
by HeleKayDimon
Series
Games People Play Series
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Avon Books
Publication Date
July 31, 2018
[image error]THE PROTECTOR
Games People Play
BY HELENKAY DIMON
Excerpt
I am not a hero, Cate.” He tried to pull away.
She held on, resting their joined hands against her chest. “Never said you were. You’re a flesh and blood man.”
And this close, she could smell the soap on his skin and see the darker streaks in his green eyes.
“Very much so.” His breath seemed to hiccup.
“So . . .”
When his voice trailed off she got a taste of what it felt like to have someone drop the end of important sentences like she often did. But she didn’t think he tried it or that he was playing games.
“Now you’re the one who should finish the sentence.” Her voice came out in a breathy whisper.
“We’re in a tense situation. Stress sometimes disguises itself as something else.”
The words crashed into her brain, wiping out every other thought. She pulled back a bit, but kept holding his hand. “What are you talking about?”
His gaze traveled over her face now, landing on her mouth. “How much I want to kiss you.”
Purchase Your Copy Today!
Amazon | Avon Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks
~~~
Tour Wide Giveaway
To celebrate the release of THE PROTECTOR, we’re giving away one paperback copy of the book!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of the The Protector by HelenKay Dimon. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 8/14/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Author HelenKay Dimon…
Award-winning author HELEKAY DIMON spent twelve years in the most unromantic career ever – divorce lawyer. After dedicating all of that effort to helping people terminate relationships, she is thrilled to deal in happy endings and write romance novels for a living. Her books have been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine and E! Online. HelenKay loves hearing from readers, so stop by her website at http://www.helenkaydimon.com and say hello.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
August 6, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: A STEWED OBSERVATION, A Dinner Club Murder Mysteries Book 4 by Karen C. Whalen
[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
~~
A STEWED OBSERVATION
A Dinner Club Murder Mysteries Book 4
BY KAREN C. WHALEN
Blurb
The Gourmet Dinner Club travels to Ireland to enjoy Irish cuisine while staying at a medieval, ivy-covered castle. Jane hopes Dale will ask her to marry him at this romantic dream destination. But her plans are put on hold when the elderly owner of the castle becomes violent, one of the club members tries to restrain him, and he collapses and dies. The police believe the mysterious death is murder and begin to suspect one of the club’s members. Dale leaves for home on a business emergency, and as the lone single gal in the club full of couples, Jane is thrown into the company of the handsome Irishman who stands to inherit the castle. Jane must prove her friends innocent by solving the crime. Which one of the sweet-tempered Irish could be a callous killer?
[image error]A STEWED OBSERVATION
A Dinner Club Murder Mysteries Book 4
BY KAREN C. WHALEN
Excerpt
Griffin and Jane proceeded to her rental car. He had the keys in his pocket, so he punched the fob to unlock the doors. She asked him to drive again and remembered to get in the correct side, on the left.
He said with a laugh, “I gave your friends directions for the long way. We’ll beat them home.”
“What’d you do that for?” Jane glanced at him as if he were a stranger. And in spite of the closeness of the night, he was. They’d just arrived on Sunday and this was only Thursday.
“Just a bit of fun. Besides, we need to get there first. I have the key to the castle.” Griff waggled the keys, making a ringing sound like wind chimes, then chuckled as he inserted the key in the ignition.
“How do I know you’re taking me straight home?” She pretended to swoon, like her heart was giving out.
“I guess you’ll need to trust me.” Griff’s blue eyes danced in his handsome face. The moment was suspended in the air for a few heartbeats. Then he leaned over and put his lips on hers. She smelled his scent, like the salty sea and the smoldering peat and the burning malt of the Guinness. His lips tasted like Guinness, too.
Had she fallen asleep into a dream? She murmured, “The Irish are certainly a friendly people.” She turned to stare out the window, aware that Dale might be waiting for his connecting flight from Boston to Denver.
As if reading her mind, Griff asked. “Are you upset about Dale leaving? How serious are you two, anyway?”
Jane lowered her seat back to recline and closed her eyes. “I thought he was going to ask me to marry him on this trip.” Were they even together anymore? They were likely on the outs.
“There’s something you should know.” He was silent for a few seconds as he inspected the steering wheel. “I overheard Dale’s telephone conversation, while I was at the receptionist desk, while you were having breakfast. He was talking to someone called Polly.”
“Y-yes?”
“He was standing right next to me. I couldn’t help hearing it.” Griff turned the ignition switch and pulled out into the traffic. “Dale told Polly he loved her.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “What else did he say?” She wrestled her seat back up, wide awake now.
“When he ended the call, he said, ‘love you.’ It sounded like they’re getting back together, Jane.”
A pang shot through her. How could Dale tell her he loved her, and then turn around and say the same thing to his ex-wife? But then, how could she kiss Dale one day and Griff the next? Was it the same thing? Was she just as bad? She took a deep breath to calm her heart.
At least she knew now. Dale had abandoned her for Polly.
[image error]About Author Karen C. Whalen…
Karen C. Whalen is the author of a culinary cozy series, the “dinner club murder mysteries.” The first four in the series are: Everything Bundt the Truth, Not According to Flan, No Grater Evil, and A Stewed Observation. The first book in the series tied for First Place in the Suspense Novel category of the 2017 IDA Contest sponsored by Oklahoma Romance Writers of America. Her books are similar to those written by cozy authors Jessica Beck and Joanne Fluke. She worked for many years as a paralegal at a law firm in Denver, Colorado and has been a columnist and regular contributor to The National Paralegal Reporter magazine. She believes that it’s never too late to try something new. She loves to host dinner clubs, entertain friends, ride bicycles, hike in the mountains, and read cozy murder mysteries.
~~~
Links to Karen’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Stewed-Observation-Dinner-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07DYVWHFY/
Wildrose Press:
https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5982-a-stewed-observation.html
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-stewed-observation-karen-c-whalen/1129130204?ean=2940161698068
ibooks link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-stewed-observation/id1403825990?mt=11
Contact information:
Karen C. Whalen
Author, the Dinner Club Mystery series
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/whalenkarenc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whalenkarenc
Website URL:
http://karencwhalen.com
~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Karen will give away an ebook copy of A STEWED OBSERVATION to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. A review is always appreciated!
Thanks, Karen, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
![[image error]](https://i2.wp.com/www.karendocter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/KILLER-BOOK-BENCH-winner.jpg){kind=link}
![[image error]](https://i2.wp.com/www.karendocter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Cooking.jpg){kind=link}
![[image error]](https://i1.wp.com/www.karendocter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/KILLER-BOOK-BENCHsmaller.jpg){kind=link}