Karen Docter's Blog, page 157
April 9, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: I GOT YOUR BACK, HAILEY by June Kramin
[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!
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I GOT YOUR BACK, HAILEY
A Romantic Suspense
BY JUNE KRAMIN
Blurb
When Hailey stumbles upon a backpack full of money on her nightly jog, she is forced to flee the security of her secret identity.
Although the sudden appearance of a man that had been flirting with her earlier seems odd, Hailey accepts Parker’s help in getting the heavy bag home. Within moments of arriving, they escape under gunfire. The men it was intended for wants it back, and Hailey has now made herself a target.
Safe in a motel room, the two of them discover the truth: although their meeting was an accident, Parker had been involved in the bag’s drop and she had been his assignment all along. Now, getting Hailey away safely is Parker’s new mission. Together they struggle to put together the pieces of Hailey’s past and discover that they have more in common than they thought.
Being on the run, keeping Hailey’s family safe, and searching for clues to put away the man that wants her dead are hard enough. Falling in love in the middle of it all was the last thing either one of them expected.
~~~
[image error]I GOT YOUR BACK, HAILEY
A Romantic Suspense
BY JUNE KRAMIN
Excerpt
“Exactly what is the plan here?” I asked after another long sip of beer.
“I’m not exactly sure now. The money is definitely not going to do what it was supposed to, and you have no business being involved in all of this.”
“Pardon me, but that’s your fault.”
“Let’s not do this again, okay? Are you forgetting I chose you over the money?”
My eyes lowered. “No. I’m really not sure of the etiquette on how many times I’m supposed to thank you for that.”
“Let’s drop it. What’s done is done. I need to figure out what to do from here. How to get back on track and get you somewhere safe.”
I walked over to the small refrigerator for another beer. “Parker? Is there a chance I can make a phone call?”
“That depends. You going to try to signal for help?”
“No. I…I think I need to let my mom know I’m okay. She normally calls me on Saturdays for an update. I’m worried she’ll think something is wrong if I don’t call soon.”
“We’ll go get you your makeup or whatever you want, and I’ll get a new throwaway phone. You can call her from that. No giving away anything about our location.”
I was getting tired of all this cloak-and-dagger shit. It was wearing on my last nerve. “Who exactly is following you? What was the money for, Parker? Or Gavin. Whatever your name is! This is no longer funny! You think they’d tap my mother’s phone?” I rushed his chair and landed both hands hard on his chest. He grasped my wrists and held them tight as he stood.
“Whoa! Why would you think someone would want you back so bad as to post someone on your mother?”
I shook my arms, trying to get free. “Let me go.”
“You going to be civil?”
“Yes. Please let me go.”
Too nervous now to return to the chair, I stood and peered out of the crack in the curtain. “I need to know something and I need the truth.” I faced him, needing to look into his eyes. The eyes always give it away.
“Fire away.” He motioned that I should carry on with a wave of his hand.
“I think I tripped on this money by accident, but I need to know if I was set up.”
“You? Set up? Why do you think you were set up? How could I have possibly pulled that off?”
“Things just don’t add up. We flee under gunfire…you save me but don’t take the money…”
“Back up. What do you know that you think someone would pay a million bucks for?”
“More like kill me for it.”
[image error]Meet Author June Kramin…
“There is a fine line between genius and crazy…I like to use that line as a jump rope!”
June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” in a small town in Minnesota. She writes women’s fiction ranging from time travel, romantic suspense, to new adult/college age romance. She also writes middle grade fantasy under the pen name Ann T. Bugg.
Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.
Being hopelessly addicted to 80’s music is her super power.
~~~
Links to June’s website, blog, books, etc.
http://www.junekramin.com/
http://www.beforehappilyeveraf ter.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JuneKr amin
twitter @junekramin
Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/I-Got-Your-Back-Hailey-ebook/dp/B00JH1P9A4/
B&N Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-got-your-back-hailey-june-kramin/1119129324?ean=2940045812542
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-got-your-back-hailey
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/426043
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! June is giving away an ebook copy of I’VE GOT YOUR BACK, HAILEY (or Book 2 if reader already has Book 1) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, June, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 8, 2018
**Author Peek** Interview with DEADLY FOCUS, A Vega and Middleton Mystery Author Sue Hinkin
[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!
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[image error]INTRODUCING AUTHOR SUE HINKIN…
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.
Raised in Chicago, Sue Hinkin is a former college administrator, television news photographer (one of the very first women—maybe the first) and NBC-TV art department staffer. With a B.A. from St. Olaf College, she completed graduate work at the University of Michigan and was a Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute. She’s a dedicated member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives with her family in Denver. Deadly Focus is her debut novel.
1. What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Sitting at my PC with my dog sleeping at my feet, a hot cup of coffee in my hand as snow gently falls outside the window and great ideas flow like a big ol’ river. Unfortunately, that’s about 2% of the process.
2. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?
I’d wield a golden ruler that would make all immediately behave by the Golden Rule. Basic empathy. Definitely a critical skill for a writer who must step into so many different shoes to tell the whole story.
3. Do you ever get stuck when you’re writing a book? What do you do to get “unstuck”?
Take a walk, go to yoga, get up in the middle of the night to watch a BBC drama, continue to sleep badly, whine to my critique group and read books. Usually somewhere in there a decent thought shakes loose.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
Starting a new book is both the best and the worst. Starting a new project is exciting, all those cool ideas, but months of corralling them into something worth reading is a grueling process.
5. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Well, I don’t really cook, but I bake. The main dish would be something I throw into the slow cooker, but I’d add some crusty cranberry walnut bread, and desert of rhubarb pie a la mode, a maple pecan torte, and chocolate cherry bread pudding with a hint of cinnamon. Then I’d call the EMT to resuscitate us.
6. What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I’m glad I didn’t focus initially on the publishing process and just wrote the books.
After I’d finished Deadly Focus, I became immediately aware of how much I had to learn about this volatile business which seems to morph into something different every few weeks. Organizations like Sisters in Crime-Colorado, Mystery Writers of America, and the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers provided amazing resources and smart, supportive colleagues to help with the learning curve. You’re one of those terrific people, Karen, who help us all understand the whole process better, particularly the marketing.
7. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
I love writing characters. They come to me like friends who I slowly get to know. I’ve been blessed to have had a wealth of interesting people in my life to draw from.
The emotions part comes pretty freely, so I think conflict is the challenge. Despite writing murder and mayhem, I’m basically a nice, loving person who wants to see everyone get along.
8. A penguin walks into your office, right now, wearing a sombrero. What does he say to you and why is he here?
He’d be looking to frame me for the murder of a Mexican frozen foods mogul he snitched the hat from.
9. If you could wave a magic wand, what ill in the world would you solve and why?
World peace, of course. That would lead to solutions for all the other problems.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Deadly Focus?
Writing Deadly Focus was a personal journey through which I learned to be a writer. I had no clue when I started this book that I’d be working on it for so many years through so many chapters of my own life. The story has changed and evolved as much as I have.
Even during the writing of this novel, I never imagined it would ever be a real published book. The incident that changed my thinking in that regard was when Michael Connolly and James Lee Burke’s agent, Phil Spitzer, asked for a full manuscript. I’d had at least a hundred previous rejections. I seriously almost had a coronary when I received the request. I met Connolly that week at a book signing in L.A. and told him that Spitzer wanted to read my novel. He shook my hand and said, “Phil never requests anything, good for you.”
Ultimately Spitzer rejected the book because it turned into too much of a romance—I was in a romance writer’s critique group at that time and was just figuring out that I was a hard-core mystery writer. He was right to reject it, but the fact that he liked the writing changed my life. I went from a dilettante to seriously thinking: I CAN DO THIS!
And more credit where it’s due—without my critique group from Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, I would never be a published author. I have learned so much in this irreverent, supportive, smart group where I feel like I can risk anything. What a gift!
11. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published? Please provide links to your website, blog, books, etc.
The Vega & Middleton Novels are a new mystery/thriller series featuring TV news reporter Beatrice Middleton and photojournalist Lucy Vega. Along with their family and friends in Los Angeles and Savannah, the two women take on some of the toughest criminals and risk all seeking justice, and sometimes, retribution.
Book #1 Deadly Focus: L.A. photojournalist Lucy Vega’s beloved uncle plunges to his death in a Malibu canyon car wreck. The coroner calls it an accident, but when a Los Angeles County homicide detective and the chief of the counter-terrorism unit appear at the scene, Lucy and reporter Bea Middleton, suspect other terrifying possibilities.
I’ve finished #2 in the Vega & Middleton Novel series entitled Low Country Blood. It features Bea Middleton as she returns home to evocative Savannah, Georgia to deal with an aging mother, family intrigue, and a murdered fifteen-year-old nephew.
Book # 3, The Burn Patient has Bea and Lucy together again in Los Angeles facing a war for control of the black tar heroin trade and the return of Lucy’s nemesis, Gary Mercer, is back from the presumed dead. Burned beyond recognition, he’s hellbent on Lucy’s fiery destruction.
Book # 4, In Dark Web, Shiny Fishes, Bea’s son Dexter’s former science teacher, now a UCLA Marine Biology doctoral student, has disappeared on her way to purchase a rare koi she discovered on the Dark Web. Lucy and Bea must find her before she falls victim to a disgraced ocean scientist’s sado-sexual mermaid snuff fantasies and throws her to the sharks, literally.
This entire series has a diverse, multi-cultural cast which has been both fun and intimidating to write.
12. Last thoughts…
Do more of what you love.
You are not too old, and it is not too late.
~~~
Be sure to come back to learn more about Sue’s novel, DEADLY FOCUS, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog!
~~~
Links to Sue’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IvdOwX
Website and blog www.suehinkin.com
Facebook suehinkinauthor
Amazon author page at www.amazon.com/-/eBO78SC7CFP
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Sue is giving away a copy of DEADLY FOCUS to two readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Sue, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 6, 2018
April Showers Bring Books #Contest #WIN Kindle Fire, Gift Card & 25+ Romance Novels!! #ThatBookRocks
Love to Read?
An amazing contest for you!
I’m so excited to share this amazing contest with you!
Right now, is your chance to enter to win a Kindle Fire, gift card, and eBook or paperbacks, featuring your favorite best-selling romance authors (including me!)
Expand your book collection now! Simply enter below.
April 5, 2018
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special* with NEVER RETREAT Author Bonnie McCune #recipe ~ Hamburger Soup
[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with Bonnie McCune!
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, BONNIE McCUNE, and her favorite recipe for HAMBURGER SOUP!!
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NEVER RETREAT
BY BONNIE McCUNE
BLURB
A feisty single mom clashes with an ex-military, macho corporate star at a business retreat in the wild Colorado mountains, where only one can win a huge prize. But when a massive flood imperils their love and survival, they learn the meaning of true partnership.
Years ago, Ramona (‘Raye”) Soto faced harsh reality when a roving con man knocked her up. Now at thirty-something she’s concentrating on her career in a major telecommunications firm and funding college for her teenaged son. Enter Desmond Emmett—a fast talker and smooth operator. New to the office, the ex-serviceman possesses every negative quality for a guy Raye should avoid. Thrown together at a corporate retreat in the wilderness, the reluctant duo struggles to complete management’s extreme mental and physical tests for a huge reward. But only one can win the prize, and Des needs the money to underwrite medical treatments for his adored younger sister.
See-sawing between attraction and antagonism, the mismatched couple, Raye and Des, face their biggest challenge: learning the meaning of true partnership. When a massive flash flood sweeps down the rocky canyon and threatens their love and survival, they must put aside their difference to rescue their colleagues—and their future as a couple.
WRITING: This is the new fiction for you: unafraid to debate contemporary concerns. . . pulls no punches. . .provides a fresh look at age-old issues. This is your kind of writing if you think. . .People are smarter than any phone. . .Feminism is just starting to come alive. . .You’ll always take a human over the most advanced app. . . .You can laugh at yourself. . . Women use four-letter words, including l-o-v-e.
REVIEWS:
“A breathtaking page-turner that will leave you exhausted but wanting more!” —Corinne Joy Brown, award-winning author of Hidden Star; “Likable, relatable characters…a real treat!”
—Cindi Myers, author of The View from Here; “Intriguing…engaging…A great vacation read for sure!” —Meg Benjamin, author of the Brewing Love Trilogy; “A compelling story about a hard-working single mom who faces adversity head-on, learns from her mistakes, and perseveres.”
—Kim McMahill, author of Marked in Mexico; “Few novels operate on such different levels, moving their characters to challenge not just each other, but their own not just each other, but their own perceptions. . .McCune provides just the right blend of comic relief, interpersonal encounters, and outside environment changes to make her story a powerful blend.” –Midwest Book Review
NEVER RETREAT
BY BONNIE McCUNE
EXCERPT
“I won!” Raye’s handful of lottery scratch tickets, fanned out on the staff room table in front of her, glowed in a multitude of bright colors. She plucked the one nearest to her. “Forty dollars!”
Julia failed to respond. “He’s gorgeous. Just gorgeous.” Her unfocused eyes and neglect of the bear claw pastry in one limp hand showed how absorbed she was in telling Raye Soto about the new man striding around corporate headquarters in Denver.
“Didn’t you hear me? My winning ticket must be an omen I’ll get a big prize. You know how much I need it to cover Andy’s college. No student loans! Whoo-ee!”
“Not necessarily. You’ll have better odds at happiness if you notice a male hunk in front of your face. You haven’t even had a date in years.”
“Wouldn’t start with a good-looking guy. He’d be the most dangerous type. Anyway, you’ve never won awards for your taste in men,” Raye teased back. Her quick survey of the modest dining area showed no other people on break, so she geared up her joking. “Wasn’t your last crush the barista over at Java Hut? The one who drew your initial with cream on the top of your cappuccino, then pocketed the change you were due? And the one before rode a motorcycle and crashed at least once a month?”
“You’re one to talk!” Julia returned to consciousness, leaning back in her chair and tapping her index finger, this week manicured in turquoise blue with tiny spangles, on the veneer-topped table. “Your ex-, who hardly qualifies as an ex since he was only around for a few months, partied so hard and so often, he forgot to come home at night.”
“Let’s not get into odious comparisons. I got Andy from the experience, and that’s enough for me.” Raye pushed back her chrome-wire chair, stood, and began wrapping the remains of her meal.
“This guy, his name’s Des Emmett, would be perfect for you. If you’d drop the attitude.”
“How old do you figure he is?”I can’t possibly be considering Julia’s suggestion, can I? Raye thought.
“I’d say thirty-six, thirty-eight. He mentioned eight years in the service, and I know from his resume, which passed through my grubby paws when he transferred here, that he has a solid ten years in the corporate world. Most recently, at the highest levels.”
“And he’s not married?” With her free hand, Raye stuffed the winning lottery ticket in her pocket, then grabbed the remainder in a fistful jumble.
“No.”
“Why not? What’s wrong with him? Is he gay? Abusive?”
“Wait a minute,” Julia said. “You’re thirty-four and not married.”
“But I have been.” She considered the super-sized fruit yogurt she now balanced. The treat wasn’t finished yet, so she covered the container to tote to the staff refrigerator. “I admit he’s good-looking. Those ice-blue eyes, the casual dark curls.” In fact, he’s too good-looking. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, she thought.
“Those molded lips, the bottom one a little fuller than the upper. The brooding brow.” Julia gathered her snack leavings, then walked to the refrigerator and leaned against the open door next to Raye to continue. “I think you’re ticked off because he treats you like an employee, not a woman. He shouldn’t be snubbed for that.”
“Absolutely wrong! I learned long ago not to trust charm and good looks. Anyway, why are you pushing him on me? Don’t you want to try your luck?”
Julia looked up at the ceiling tiles. “I haven’t told you, but things are getting serious between me and Eric. We’ve been talking about marriage.”
“Eeek!” Raye’s shriek echoed from inside the refrigerator. She pulled her head out. “That’s wonderful.”
“Nothing’s definite yet, so don’t mention it. I’m entertaining the idea because I hate to see a guy as nice as Eric go to waste. Or get picked off by a sneaky man-eater, like Krystle.”
“I remember two years ago when Krystle got tipsy at the holiday party. She kept rubbing her hands all over Eric, then tried to pull him into the hall for a necking session,”
Julia sniggered. “Fortunately he refused to surrender. That’s when I first guessed I could trust him.”
“Yeah, and he’s been hanging around you ever since,” said Raye. “That’s going somewhere permanent?”
“I sure hope so. The huuuge barrier right now to any kind of development is that car loan my folks took out and now can’t pay. Can’t get married, can’t even move in together because I have to help the family out. Anyway, a more cheerful subject, I first saw the new director of security this morning before he even got in the office. I was walking down the sidewalk past the entrance to the parking garage when he buzzed by on a motorcycle, tall and solid as a soldier. . .”
“A motorcycle!” Raye slammed the refrigerator door closed. “You know how much I hate those. You’re not building a case for my becoming besties with Mr. Desmond Emmett with that bit of information. Smelly, noisy, dangerous machines.”
A stricken look passed over Julia’s face. “I’m so sorry. I totally spaced on what happened to your brother.” Wrapping both arms around her friend, Julia hugged hard, and Raye let her. “You still miss him, don’t you?” Julia whispered.
“Like the devil. Every day. Even though it’s been years. Damn his infatuation with motorcycles! I hear about the Broncos winning, and I think, ‘boy, that’ll make Carlos happy,’ then I remember he’s not here. Or the first snow, I want to run in and wake him up so we can walk in the park, until I remember there’ll be no more times like that. He’ll never know his nephew graduated at the top of the class, or that Dad and Mom both have new romances going.” Raye stepped back after a final squeeze. “Thanks for not hesitating to mention him. That helps.Many people act like he never existed.”
[image error]Meet Author Bonnie McCune…
Bonnie McCune has been writing since age ten, when she submitted a poem about rain rushing down the gutter to the Saturday Evening Post (it was immediately rejected). This interest facilitated her career in nonprofits doing public and community relations and marketing. She’s worked for libraries, directed a small arts organization, and managed Denver’s beautification program.
Simultaneously, she’s been a freelance writer with publications in local, regional, and specialty publications for news and features. Her civic involvement includes grass-roots organizations, political campaigns, writers’ and arts’ groups, and children’s literacy. For years, she entered recipe contests and was a finalist once to the Pillsbury Bake Off. A special love is live theater. Had she been nine inches taller and thirty pounds lighter, she might have been an actress.
Her true passion is fiction, and her pieces have won several awards. Never Retreat is her third novel and her fifth book of fiction. For reasons unknown (an unacknowledged optimism?), she believes one person can make a difference in this world.
~~~
Links to Bonnie’s website, blog, books, etc.
PUBLISHING MARCH 15, 2018, 978-1-77223-350-6 Kindle ebook, 978-1-77223-351-3 Trade paperback, 240 pages. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SY632Z, http://getBook.at/NeverRetreat or Imajin Books, www.imajinbooks.com. Ebook and paperback.
Website www.BonnieMcCune.com
Email Bonnie@BonnieMcCune.com
facebook.com/authorBonnieMcCune,
www.linkedin.com/in/BonnieMcCune
I hope you enjoy the recipe Bonnie is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 368 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.
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HAMBURGER SOUP
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 c. onion, diced
2 c. canned tomatoes
1 T. salt
2 c. potatoes, diced; OR 1/2 c. rice, barley or pasta
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 c. carrots, diced
1/2 c. celery and leaves, diced
3 to 4 c. water or beef broth or vegetable broth
1 t. oregano or other spices, if desired
½ t. garlic powder
(Other left over vegetables can be added, too)
Brown hamburger in heavy kettle, drain fat. Add vegetables, seasoning, rice/potatoes (if using pasta, add that in last 15 minutes) and water/broth. Simmer slowly, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Add oregano 15 minutes before serving. Use juice drained from canned or cooked vegetables. Vary the vegetables. Many leftover, cooked vegetables may be added to taste. Serves 6.
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[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Bonnie is giving away one advanced reader copy (ebook version) of NEVER RETREAT to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Bonnie, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 4, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: ATONEMENT, The Lonely Ridge Collection by Lyz Kelley
[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!
~~
ATONEMENT
The Lonely Ridge Collection
BY LYZ KELLEY
Blurb
From award-winning author, Lyz Kelley….
Riches to rags. Does the murderer’s daughter deserve a second chance?
The FBI has convicted her father, and her hometown is reeling from the corruption. She’s hoping to rebuild her life, and the last thing she expects to find is help from a super-sexy video gamer geek.
Entrepreneur Jacob Reyes has escaped to Colorado for a much-needed rest before developing his next game world. He’s looking for inspiration in the mountain valley, not expecting an interior designer to get his creative juices flowing.
When Jacob asks Rachelle to redesign his vacation home, she has no idea she’s headed deeper into a world of jealousy and manipulation. But she’s a survivor and swears she will never trust anyone again. Can Jacob provide her a soft place to land until she discovers there’s no better place to call home than the small town of Elkridge?
~~~
[image error]ATONEMENT
The Lonely Ridge Collection
BY LYZ KELLEY
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I was surprised to find opioid addiction in this book. Why did you choose to include such a hard topic?
I worked for a hospital for many years and saw how hard drug addiction was on families. There isn’t one person in a family unit that isn’t affected, not the grandparents, parents, siblings, children, or friends. Drugs are the fiery dragon a person may think they can control, but often the beast is too powerful and so easily takes control of a life.
2. There are so many characters in Elkridge. Why did you choose to write Rachelle’s book?
Rachelle’s been called everything from a stick-with-tits or a boyfriend-stealer to out right bitch.
In my heart, I felt Rachelle was a good person, but a product of her upbringing. I wanted to show how angry or difficult people don’t always show their true self to the world. Sometimes, all it takes is understanding and a little bit of kindness for someone to turn their life around.
3. I loved the gaming aspect of this book. Do you ever think you’ll go into game designing one day?
I love to paint, and I’ve always loved the sci-fi/fictional world. I don’t ever see me writing a game, but a sci-fi/fantasy book is not out of the realm of possibilities. In fact, I just wrote a sci-fi romance that is part of S.E. Smith’s Kindle World. Look for that book to come up in May, 2018.
Atonement Quotes
“A voice as deep and smooth as her dark roast coffee ambled its way into the room.”
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Just keep refreshing your lip gloss, Rachelle, so no one can see past the shine.
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His breath caressed her skin like a feather, tickling, teasing. Yes.
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He was real, unlike the power-driven, chest-beating men she was determined to avoid.
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Her mind frantically tried to backspace and delete the thought, but the desire was already out there and permanent.
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He sounded like an old lawnmower cranking and sputtering before turning over.
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He covered her hand with his, holding it in place until their bodies eased into a synchronized rhythm. “Now that we set some boundaries”—he pressed the tip of his nose to hers and studied her eyes—“let’s get dressed and go get some grub. I’m hungry.”
“Now?”
“Now.” He kissed her nose, then walked toward the kitchen while scratching his butt cheek, his shorts fabric bunching with every swipe.
“That’s it? Just like that, all’s forgiven?”
“Unless you want to talk more.” He shrugged. “It’s a guy thing. What can I say? Life is too short to keep regurgitating things. Besides, I told you. I’m not like anyone you’ve ever met before.” He walked back toward her, rubbing his head. “Now go change before I decide to eat you for breakfast.”
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“In other words, you pulled the design out of your butt.”
Rachelle narrowed her eyes at the too-serious woman. “I’d like to think I pulled the images out of my head, but sure.”
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A feeling of camaraderie sent shivers up her arms, and the fine hairs on her arms stood up to celebrate.
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He didn’t just want sex. He wanted her heart, yet she would only give him what she thought he wanted. If she only had an inkling how much he simply wanted her in his life. She colored his black and white world and made him want things he hadn’t known were absent until she came along.
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She let the concepts settle in the same way Dempsey circled his bed, scratching and pulling at the fleece before collapsing on a single spot.
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Rachelle gasped and reached for a handy Jacob body part. She wanted to touch, feel.
[image error]Meet Author Lyz Kelley…
Award-winning author Lyz Kelley resides in a small community in Colorado with her husband and several four-legged family members. She’s a disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, and tea snob, a lover of board games, gardening, and painting. She loves writing about strong women who have endured challenges and the men who enrich their lives.
A healing love is at the heart of her book series. Creating wounded yet amazing characters—discovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laugh—is what gives her joy. Lyz is pleased to share that joy with her masterfully written stories.
To keep tabs on her newest releases, connect with Lyz by signing up for her newsletter at LyzKelley.com. Members receive a copy of Unmistaken and learn about thoughtful giveaways, Members may even get the opportunity to receive advanced reader copies. Check out LyzKelley.com for more information.
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Links to Lyz’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://geni.us/LyzKelleyATONEMENTa
Website:
https://www.lyzkelley.com/index.html
Newsletter Sign Up: www.LyzKelley.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LyzKelleyauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyzKelley
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyzkelley/
Intagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lyzkelley/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/60669260-lyz-kelley
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[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Get the exclusive Elkridge Series prequel for signing up for Lyz’s Newsletter. After you sign up…you’ll get another surprise.
Link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/e6evrr8car
Thanks, Lyz, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 3, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: TWICE BITTEN, An Argeneau Novel by Lynsay Sands
[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!
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[image error]TWICE BITTEN
An Argeneau Novel
BY LYNSAY SANDS
Blurb
Thrilling, witty, and oh-so-sexy, Lynsay Sands’ Argeneau novel brings together a beautiful Immortal and the man who is her destiny…
For someone who’s been around for over a hundred and forty years, immortal Elspeth Argeneau hasn’t done a whole lot of living. Now that she’s moved away from her controlling mother, she’s tracking down rogue vampires and enjoying some overdue freedom. A fling would be fun. A life mate can wait. Yet to Elspeth’s surprise, her landlady’s hot grandson checks both boxes.
Wyatt fell instantly in love with Elspeth four years ago. He’s stunned to run into her again, especially as she has no memory of him. Then again, there are a lot of things about Elspeth that don’t make sense, like the miraculous speed with which her wounds heal. And the chemistry that transforms every touch into an explosion of desire. But with mysterious “accidents” besieging Elspeth, the ex-Special Forces soldier appoints himself her bodyguard. But time is running out to uncover the truth about her enemies—and rediscover the man determined to love her for eternity.
Each book in this series can be read as a standalone story.
About the Book
Twice Bitten
by Lynsay Sands
Series
Argeneau #27
Genre
Adult
Paranormal Romance
Publisher
Avon Books
Publication Date
March 27, 2018
Amazon | Avon Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks
[image error]TWICE BITTEN
An Argeneau Novel
BY LYNSAY SANDS
Excerpt
“Wyatt?” she said, surprised at how breathless her voice was.
She was panting, Elspeth realized. The man hadn’t even touched her and she was panting like an overheated dog . . . or a horny one.
“I’m sorry,” Wyatt growled, and turned away to quickly search the room, and then spotting the bath towel over the towel rack, he grabbed it and turned back to offer it to her.
Elspeth reached for it, but froze when their hands touched. For a minute, they just remained like that, both silent and still as shockwaves rolled through them, and then Wyatt cleared his throat. His voice was husky as he said, “I know you’re not ready for a life mate, and I-“
That was as far as he got before Elspeth finished taking the towel from him, let it drop to the floor, and reached for him instead.
Tour Wide Giveaway
To celebrate the release of TWICE BITTEN, we’re giving away five paperback copies of A QUICK BITE, the first installment in the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Five winners will each receive a paperback copy of A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/6/2018 @ 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 Lynsay Sands…
LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at http://www.lynsaysands.net.
Author Links
April 2, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: WILDFIRE, Wine Country Mystery Book 1 by Scott Bury
[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!
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WILDFIRE
Wine Country Mystery Book 1
BY SCOTT BURY
Blurb
Wildfires swept across California wine country in 2017, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and killing dozens of people. Law school grad and single mother Tara Rezeck finds herself in the middle of the catastrophe. When she returns to her job at the most award-winning vineyard in Sonoma County, she finds her employer’s body in the ashes.
The question that challenges her brains and her legal training is: was it an accident? Or was his body burned to hide evidence of murder?
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[image error]WILDFIRE
Wine Country Mystery Book 1
BY SCOTT BURY
Excerpt
Wildfire: Charlie the terrier
Tara felt panic tightening her chest. She leaned forward, hand on the desk. “I do know something about this business, Mr. DaSilva.”
“Please, call me Alan.”
“I know you’ve won a number of awards over the years. Gold medals, prix d’honneur, more. Yours is one of the smaller wineries in the Sonoma Valley with one of the best reputations. And from what I’ve read, there are several competitors who are jealous of the piece of land you have for the grapevines. They say it’s the most ideal location for a terroir in California—with the best soil, best drainage, the perfect situation to the sun.”
Alan was nodding, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He twirled the pencil again. “Do go on.”
Tara swallowed. “But apparently, you’ve been struggling to keep up with demand for your product. There have been some accidents in the … oh, I forget the technical term …” Damn it, Tara, pull yourself together. This is no time for memory lapses. “In the production area. Damage to some of your larger tanks and bottling lines. They set you back and cost you a lot of money.”
Alan continued to nod, but he no longer smiled. “That’s true. We had a string of unexplained accidents last year.”
Oh, no, now he’s not happy anymore. Way to blow the first job interview you’ve had in California, Tara.
Bring it back to the positive. “But you’ve also had some good news in the past two years. Your restaurant got a Michelin star, and nothing but great ratings in all the reviews.”
A faint smile touched Alan’s mouth again. “That’s right. The restaurant has done—is doing—very well. Making money. That’s mostly due to my wife. She found our new chef, and managed to convince him to come way out here to work. And she managed to get some big-name restaurant reviewers to make the drive up from San Francisco, too.” He looked out the window, too, and the smile vanished. “I still don’t really know how she managed to do that.” He took a deep breath and turned his hazel eyes to Tara again. “All right, your résumé proves you’re smart and ambitious, and Sophia said you were a hard worker. What did you do for her?”
Tara shrugged. “Nothing much. We just sort of met by accident. I needed a place to stay. She needed some help around the house and the diner she owns. I helped her and stayed in her guest bedroom for a few days. I said I was looking for some steadier work, and she mentioned you.”
“So, you’ve worked in Sophia’s restaurant?”
“Yes, just helping with some of the food prep.”
“Did you study food service?”
“No, but I worked in a restaurant in the summers between college terms. I love to cook.” Talk yourself up, Tara. “And I’m good at it. Very good.”
DaSilva nodded. “Anything else I should know about you?”
“I have a black belt in karate. I got that when I was in high school.”
“Wow. A dangerous woman. Remind me never to get into a fight with you. I don’t know whether we can use you in the winery, but we do need some help in the kitchen.”
The dog came to her and pressed its nose between Tara’s knees. “Charlie, down,” Alan said. The dog looked at Alan and whined. Alan pointed at the floor where the dog had been sleeping. “Charlie,” he repeated.
The dog whined again but sat down where it had been, its eyes fixed on Tara.
“What kind of dog is Charlie?” Tara asked.
“A terrier mix.” Alan leaned over and patted its head, and the tail swished back and forth across the floor. “Not the smartest dog in the world, but he does know good people. Everyone who works here has had to pass the Charlie test.”
“What’s the Charlie test?”
“Charlie has to make friends with you. Well, one person isn’t Charlie’s friend. But … never mind.” Alan sat back in his chair and fixed an intent look on Tara’s eyes. “We’ve had a lot of turnover in the last few months. Chef Donald is great, but he’s not exactly the easiest guy in the world to work for. If you’ve got a thick skin, I can put you to work in the kitchen. The pay’s not great, but it’s steady, and it comes with room and board. You can start tonight, if that works for you.”
“Tonight?”
Alan smiled again and stood up. “Like I said, Chef’s not easy to work for. We had a line cook quit last night.” He reached a hand across the desk and Charlie got up again, his tail wagging fast. “So, you ready to work?”
Tara looked into Alan’s hazel eyes. She noticed the very middle of the iris, a narrow rim around the deep black pupil, was like a ring of green fire.
Note: You can read the first two chapters for free on Wattpad.
[image error]Meet Author Scott Bury…
Scott Bury can’t stay in one category.
After a 20-year career in journalism, he turned to writing fiction. “Sam, the Strawb Part,” a children’s story, came out in 2011, with all the proceeds going to an autism charity. Next was a paranormal short story for grown-ups, “Dark Clouds.”
The Bones of the Earth, a historical fantasy, came out in 2012. It was followed in 2013 with One Shade of Red, an erotic romance.
The Eastern Front trilogy tells the true story of Maurice Bury, a Canadian drafted into the USSR’s Red Army to face the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Army of Worn Soles, the first volume, was published in 2014, followed by Under the Nazi Heel in 2016 and Walking Out of War in 2017.
Scott Bury has been invited to contribute to three Kindle Worlds. For the Jet Kindle World, based on a character created by bestseller Russell Blake, he published Jet – Stealth: A Jet Kindle World Novella in July 2015.
The same week, he published Torn Roots: A Lei Crime Kindle World Novella featuring characters created by bestselling Hawaii crime author Toby Neal. He has since published three more Lei Crime Kindle World books: Palm Trees & Snowflakes (December 2015), Dead Man Lying (2016) and Echoes (2017).
Emily Kimelman, author of the Sydney Rye series, invited Scott to contribute to the Sydney Rye Kindle World. His answer was The Wife Line in 2016, and The Three-Way in 2017.
In between writing books and blog posts, Scott helped found an author’s cooperative publishing venture, Independent Authors International. He is also President of author’s professional association BestSelling Reads.
He lives in Ottawa with his two mighty sons, two pesky cats and a very understanding wife.
~~~
Links to Scott’s website, blog, books, etc.
Now available for pre-order on on Amazon (for Kindle e-readers) and Smashwords (for Kobo, Nook and other e-readers).
You can find more about Scott Bury, and contact him through his website, http://www.writtenword.ca, his blog, Written Words, and on Twitter @ScottTheWriter.
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Scott is giving away an ebook copy of WILDFIRE to one reader who comments on his Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Scott, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 1, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: MACKENZIE’S DISTRACTION by Angie Dokos #NewAdultRomance #recipe ~ Sweet Potato Crunch
[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!
~~
MACKENZIE’S DISTRACTION
New Adult Romance
BY ANGIE DOKOS
Blurb
Mackenzie’s Distraction is a new adult romance novel with some humor tossed in. Mackenzie is a young lady trying to get her life on the right track. She was a wild child and is now trying to make it right. She thinks she’s finally getting there when tragedy strikes. Someone close to her ends up in a coma, then a long kept family secret is revealed. Just when she thinks it couldn’t get worse, she meets Trevor. They become friends, but then it gets complicated. Will Trevor be just what she needs or will he be what pushes her back to her old bad habits?
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MACKENZIE’S DISTRACTION
New Adult Romance
BY ANGIE DOKOS
Excerpt
Mackenzie didn’t answer his call after she got off work that night. She also didn’t reply to his texts. The next morning she drove to the hospital. Trent went to work. She avoided Trevor’s calls and texts all morning. A little after noon there was a knock on the door. When she opened it, he didn’t wait for an invitation; Trevor walked right in. “Thought you said we would talk later? Now you are avoiding me. That’s not nice. Have a seat. I brought you Subway for lunch.”
“I’m not hungry. But thank you.”
“If you don’t eat, it will go to waste. And I know you don’t want me to waste my money.”
He started eating as she unwrapped her sandwich. “Wow! You remembered how I ordered my sub. It has been weeks since we went to Subway.”
“I pay attention to details, remember?” He gave her a quick, fake smile.
She took a bite of her sandwich.
He said, “Why won’t you talk to me?”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Sometimes you are totally comfortable and relaxed around me, other times you are a tight ball of nerves. I get that you are afraid of getting your heart broken or maybe even afraid of breaking mine, but sometimes you have to take chances. Sometimes it’s worth it; sometimes it’s not. I know it sucks, but get over it. I like you. I’m attracted to you. I feel something for you. And I am pretty damn sure you feel something too, otherwise you wouldn’t have kissed back. Even if you would have, it wouldn’t have been like that. Kisses like that have a lot of something fueling them. I know it wasn’t just me.”
“I am not going to sit here in front of my comatose mother and argue with you.”
“I don’t want to argue. I didn’t come to argue. I want you to know how I feel. I needed to tell you.”
“What do you want from me Trevor? The friendship thing didn’t quite work out and I’m not relationship material.”
“The friendship thing worked out fine, but it grew into more. Kinda like your brother and Julia’s situation, but apparently you won’t let yourself see that.” He took a sip of his drink and continued. “What do I want from you? I want you to get over your fear and let me in. I want a relationship with you.” He wadded up his wrapper and tossed it in the trash can from where he was sitting.
You can order Mackenzie’s Distraction at www.amazon.com/dp/B01BL4H20E. She’s got some great reviews on there, check it out.
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[image error]In addition to Mackenzie’s Distraction, Angie Dokos has published her second new adult romance novel. Roadside introduces you to Zayne, Serena, and their friends. Zayne finds Serena’s lifeless body off the side of the road one morning. She has been beaten and left for dead. As she recovers, they become the best of friends. It doesn’t take long for Zayne’s feelings to grow stronger. Will the fear of ruining their friendship keep them from taking a chance on love? You can check it out at www.amazon.com/ROADSIDE-Angie-Dokos-ebook/dp/B0722T3Y58
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SWEET POTATO CRUNCH
Note from Angie: I would like to share one of my nephew’s favorite dishes that I make for Thanksgiving.
Sweet Potato Crunch
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup soft butter or marg.
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs (beaten)
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix together & put in buttered 2 qt. casserole dish.
Topping
1/2 cup melted marg.
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup chopped nuts
Combine & sprinkle over top of sweet potato mixture. Bake @ 350 degrees for approx. 40 mins.
[image error]Meet Author Angie Dokos…
Angie Dokos grew up in a small town in the North Georgia Mountains and now lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and children. She’s loved books and the outdoors for as long as she can remember. She says when she wasn’t reading, she was being read to. She wrote stories as a child, preteen drams while in middle school, and teenage fantasies in high school. She loves to travel, but doesn’t get to do it often enough. She has worked in the office for the same manufacturing company since 1999. In 2014, she and her teenage daughter started a school project which eventually led to her publishing her new adult romance novel, Mackenzie’s Distraction.
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Links to Angie’s website, blog, books, etc.
Angie can be found all over social media. She hangs out on Twitter and Facebook more than she should. Her links are listed here:
Amazon Roadside: https://amzn.to/2J3X15r
Amazon Mackenzie’s Distraction: https://amzn.to/2J6PBhJ
www.facebook.com/angiedokosauthor
www.goodreads.com/user/show/31452642-angie-dokos
www.amazon.com/author/angiedokos
~~~
Thanks, Angie, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
Congratulations APRIL 2018 Blog Subscriber Giveaway Winner!
Time to announce the APRIL 2018 #WINNER of my Monthly Blog Subscriber Giveaway, where special readers can win a read or coffee – two of my favorite things—on me!!!
And the winner is…
CLOUDHUGGERS…
Congratulations! You have won a $5 gift card from Amazon or Starbucks (your choice)! I’ll contact you privately to arrange for delivery of your gift.
Dear Readers,
If you missed this month’s giveaway, you can still subscribe to my blog at http://www.karendocter.com/ to get my blogs delivered straight to your email and be entered EACH MONTH into a random drawing for #FREE $5 gift card. On the first of each month, I’ll draw one name at www.random.org from all of my subscribers to receive the card.
More wonderful perks to subscribing to my blog? The blogs, when they appear in your Inbox, are pretty and easy to read. You can discover new authors, recipes and reader fun…and many of the authors sponsor GIVEAWAYS just for commenting!
If you’re only in the mood to receive my Special Release Alerts, you can subscribe to my mailing list instead. This is NOT a newsletter, but the occasional Karen/K.L. Docter news release.
Thanks for joining me on Karen’s Killer Book Bench!!
Karen/K.L.
To avoid SPAM filters, I’m announcing this random giveaway on the blog so that all current subscribers will know who won. If your name is announced and you don’t hear from me and can’t find an email in your SPAM folder, please contact me at kldocter@yahoo.com. Thank you!
Winners selected by random.org.
Congratulations Week 03-19-18 & 03-26-18 Blog Giveaway Winners!
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CONGRATULATIONS WEEK
03-19-18 & 03-26-18
BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Kenna McKinnon…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Kenna is giving away an ebook copy of DISCOVERY, A Collection of Poetry to one lucky person who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Kenna, for sharing your book with us!
WINNERS: KATHLEEN BYLSMA!!
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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Rachel Trautmiller…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Rachel is giving away an ebook copy of KNIGHT REVIVAL to one lucky person who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Rachel, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: EILEEN AW!!
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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Teresa Arrowood…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Teresa is giving away an ebook copy of FIRE CHASER to two lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.Bench blog.
Thanks, Teresa, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: SHARON GREENE & YVONNE CRUZ!!
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Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Peg Brantley…[image error]
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Peg is giving away an ebook or paperback (U.S. Only) copy of TRAFFICKED to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Peg, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: BONNIE GONZALES!!
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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Angie Dokos…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Angie is giving away a signed, paperback copy (U.S. Only) of ROADSIDE to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Angie, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: HELEN DRAKE!!
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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Jools Sinclair…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Jools is giving away a See the Beauty: A 30-Day Celebration of Your Magnificent Life Giveaway: One 30-Day class (either through Udemy or her website) to one lucky reader and one SEE THE BEAUTY Ebook to another lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. That’s two lucky readers!
Thanks, Jools, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER (BOOK): LINDA B.!!
WINNER (CLASS): SAMANTHA McFARLAND!!
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[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Darlene Oakley…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Darlene is giving away either Voices of Angels mobi or epub editions, or a complete paperback set (Voices of Angels, Devotional, and Journal), reader’s choice, to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Darlene , for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: LINDA MOFFITT!!
~~~
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] KILLING SECRETS, Thorne’s Thorns Book 1
By Bestselling Author K.L. Docter
Blurb: 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] COP ON HER DOORSTEP, True Love In Uniform Book 1
By Bestselling Author Karen Docter
Blurb: 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!
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