Karen Docter's Blog, page 203
September 26, 2016
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Love Me, Master Me (Dungeon Fantasy Club Book 6) by Anya Summers
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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LOVE ME, MASTER ME
The Dungeon Fantasy Club Book 6
BY ANYA SUMMERS
Blurb
Delilah Gregory is an opera superstar, enchanting the world with her soaring voice and voluptuous form. When her long-time friend, Declan, asks her to perform at his wedding, she can’t refuse, and heads to Mullardoch Manor in Scotland. She’s looking forward to finding a Dom to play with while she’s there, although with the demands of her career, and still recovering from her ex’s betrayal, the last thing on earth she’s looking for is an actual relationship.
Bastian Dean is a rock star, playing to sold-out stadiums worldwide. His bedroom tastes have always been on the wild side, and the only way he can find satisfaction is when he has a bound submissive begging for his touch. Unlike most rock stars, he keeps his dalliances to bona fide members of the Dungeon Fantasy Club – and as far away from the tabloids as possible. When he meets the ethereal beauty Delilah at the manor, Bastian is determined to enjoy the beautiful, submissive woman’s bounty.
Delilah is stunned by the ecstasy she finds within Bastian’s arms. She doesn’t even like the man much – aside from what he can make her feel even as he disciplines her bare bottom. But despite her misgivings about him, what starts out as a bit of fun and play in the dungeon soon turns into a relationship, where Delilah finds herself healing under Bastian’s passionate touch.
When the demands of her career and a threat from her past intervene, Bastian must use every note in his arsenal to convince Delilah that theirs is a duet worth singing. But can she be convinced to trust him with her heart?
Publisher’s Note: While this is the sixth book in the Dungeon Fantasy Club series, it – like all the others – can be enjoyed as a standalone. This story contains explicit erotic and BDSM scenes, so if such material is likely to offend you, please do not read it.
LOVE ME, MASTER ME
The Dungeon Fantasy Club Book 6
BY ANYA SUMMERS
Excerpt
Shaking off her malaise, Delilah set her purse on the floor a few steps away, and then took up her stance. Singing and music, for Delilah, was the one place she could escape reality—or it had been until recently. It was her heart, the better parts of her soul and, for her, was where her internal peace resided. She hoped she could eventually retrieve the parts of it she’d allowed Ethan to tarnish.
She rolled her shoulders, working out a few of the kinks from her travels, expanded her chest, filling her diaphragm up with oxygen, and slid into her rendition of Ave Maria. As the notes and her voice permeated the space, workers who hadn’t laid down their tools stopped mid stroke. Everyone’s eyes shifted to her as her voice rose with the cadence, trilling over a high note. She blocked out their stares. She always did, turning inward until there was nothing but the melody inside her veins. The room and its inhabitants dimmed as her voice soared.
This was the one space where everything made sense to her, where Delilah felt at home. She didn’t get stage fright; not really, she’d always just focused on the way the music made her feel and where it took her when she was on stage.
After Delilah’s voice hit the final note, ending the song, the room was deadly silent. There were tears in Zoey’s eyes as the workers began to clap and hoot their appreciation.
“Not to interrupt, but where would you like the band to set up?” A deep bass male voice reminding her of molasses boomed over the applause.
There was an audible gasp. And was that a ‘squee’ from the bride-to-be as she turned toward that male voice? Delilah’s gaze shot to the rude interloper, only to spy mega-watt rock star Bastian Dean of the band The Harbingers, with his hands shoved in his ripped jean pockets, replete with a bad boy half smirk and devil may care confident vibe rolling off his hot rod body. He had managed with a few choice words to remove the focus off her and redirect it toward himself.
Her hands clenched. Either that or she’d do the man bodily harm. It wasn’t that she craved the spotlight, but dammit, Ethan had done the same thing, using her voice to pretend he was the star of the show. It had been a way to erode her personal power and confidence in herself.
“I can’t believe you are really here!” Zoey said with an audible girlish sigh, her voice filled with a tone of reverence.
“In the flesh, love. Where would you like the real band to set up? No offense, just never been one for music that’s as old as dirt.” He directed the last of his words to Delilah as he sauntered into the room toward Zoey, his long strides eating up the distance between them.
Delilah straightened her spine and headed toward the group. She’d graced the stage with icons that spanned multiple generations, withstood arrogant directors and fellow cast members, and even a manager and ex-boyfriend who acted like he owned her, so she would not bow before this arrogant jerk.
“That’s all right; most pop stars don’t understand what it means to make music with staying power,” she said.
At her intentional dig, Bastian briefly scowled in her direction before he brought Zoey’s hand up and kissed the back of it; all gentlemanly like. She didn’t buy it for a second. Delilah knew his type all too well.
Meet Author Anya Summers …
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.
~~~
Links to Anya’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon https://goo.gl/QlTE9u
Blushing Books https://goo.gl/xJEsov
All Romance Ebooks https://goo.gl/MVM4xo
Visit her website here:
www.anyasummers.com
Visit her on social media here:
http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor
Twitter: @AnyaBSummers
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Sign-up for Anya Summers Newsletter
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers and Blushing Books!
Dungeon Fantasy Club Series
Her Highland Master, Book 1
To Master and Defend, Book 2
Two Doms for Kara, Book 3
His Driven Domme, Book 4
Her Country Master, Book 5
Love Me, Master Me, Book 6, September 16, 2016
Submit To Me, Book 7, October 15, 2016
Her Wired Dom, Book 8, November 14, 2016
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Thanks, Anya, for sharing your book with us today! Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
September 25, 2016
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Mastered By Her Mates (Interstellar Bride Series Book 6) by Grace Goodwin
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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MASTERED BY HER MATES
Interstellar Bride Series Book 6
BY GRACE GOODWIN
Blurb
Amanda Bryant has been a spy for five long years, but when aliens suddenly appear claiming a deadly enemy threatens Earth’s very survival, Amanda is asked by her superiors to accept the most dangerous mission of her life…volunteer to be an alien’s bride, to share the strange warrior’s bed and then betray him.
Accepting the assignment, Amanda is processed as the first Interstellar Bride and transported halfway across the galaxy to her new mate’s battleship where she awakens to discover she has been matched to not just one huge Prillon warrior, but two.
Shocked by her craving for the touch of two dominant alpha males, Amanda attempts to hide her body’s immediate reaction to Commander Grigg and his second, Rav. Resistance is futile as her new mates expect to control every aspect of her life, and her pleasure, and neither will hesitate to deliver a thorough and embarrassing spanking should she disobey their sensual commands, or resist a complex and deeply arousing series of medical exams designed to ensure her sexual readiness for their claiming.
Seduced and cherished by two alpha alien warriors who hide nothing from her, Amanda quickly comes to realize that the threat to Earth is very real. When she witnesses a battle with the enemy and the resulting death of a highly respected warrior, she knows she must tell her mates the truth and hope they can forgive her for her duplicity before it’s too late.
Loyalties will be tested as Amanda fights the most important battle of her life. How can she protect the warriors she has grown to love and save the people of Earth from making a terrible mistake? Will her human contacts believe her when, with every touch, every look, they will see just how thoroughly she has been mastered by her mates?
Publisher’s Note: Mastered by Her Mates is a stand-alone prequel novel set in the same world as Assigned a Mate, Mated to the Warriors, Claimed by Her Mates, Taken by Her Mates, and Mated to the Beast. It is an erotic romance novel that includes sexual scenes, spankings and more and is intended for an adult audience. If such material offends you, please do not buy this book.
MASTERED BY HER MATES
Interstellar Bride Series Book 6
BY GRACE GOODWIN
Hello everyone. I want to introduce you to the erotic, sci-fi world I’ve been living in for the past few months. It’s Earth, 2020, and we were just attacked by a relentless and unemotional race of cyborgs who want nothing more than to assimilate every man, woman and child on the planet.
Lucky for us, the Interstellar Coalition sent a fleet of hot alien warriors to protect us. These new allies won the battle, but at a cost. Lives were lost. War is not cheap, and they demand two things from us in return for continued protection from a very advanced threat: soldiers for the war…and brides.
In Mastered by Her Mates, I wanted to take you back to the beginning, to the very first encounter we humans had with these smoking hot alien warriors. You see, the battle for Earth’s survival took place out there, in space, and we didn’t even know we were nearly annihilated. So, when these huge alien warriors appear demanding brides and soldiers, our leaders aren’t exactly convinced the threat is real.
What do they do? Well, they send a bride, but she’s not an average woman. She’s been a spy for five years. She’s dedicated and stubborn, and brave enough to take the most dangerous mission of her life…to agree to “mate” with one of their alien commanders, and then betray him.
What will Amanda do when she gets out there, in deep space? There’s no going back, and the commander and his second, the Prillon Warriors she was promised to, have no problem doing whatever it takes to win her over, both body and soul.
Here you will discover what it’s like for her when she first wakes on a battleship in deep space with not one mate eager to claim her, but two…
Excerpt
Amanda–
I’d heard of people who freaked, who panicked in new situations. That wasn’t me. I’d been compared to a chameleon, my mixed heritage and skill with language making it easy for me to blend in and adapt to any environment, any job. But no chameleon had ever been to space. This…this was crazy. The two before me weren’t arms dealers, assassins, Russian Mafia or even Chinese Triad. They were aliens. As in, from outer space.
They were big. Holy hell, they were big. Like almost seven feet and built like the Samoan rugby team. On steroids. They didn’t look human with their golden skin and eyes. The big one, Grigg, had dark, rust-colored eyes and light brown hair that looked like caramel coating on a sundae. They also didn’t look like little green men from the sci-fi movies either. They were actually really attractive. Handsome. Rugged. Huge. And supposedly we were matched mates. Matched! Some testing process had put us—us? How the hell was I matched to two guys?—together as being perfectly compatible, perfectly right for each other.
And my second mate? Conrav, the doctor? He was almost as big, same sharp features and gold coloring, but his eyes were like sunlight through honey and his hair a pale gold so beautiful I had to force my gaze away.
I knew one thing about them, they were…perfectly hot. But that didn’t matter because I was in stuck on a battleship somewhere in outer space and the one guy, Rav, was waving some blinking sensor stick over me.
I sat up, grabbed the sheet that I was sitting on—why it wasn’t over me instead of under me, I had no idea – and scowled at both of them.
“You are thinking too hard. According to our new data on humans, your heart rate is elevated and your blood pressure is abnormally high.” Conrav spoke, his voice clinical now, the desire I’d imagined in his eyes completely gone. Which, for some unknown and completely unfathomable reason made me even more upset than being gawked at by two lust-filled, alien males.
Read the naughty first chapter free at my website: http://goo.gl/Syx6BI
Meet Author Grace Goodwin
… 
Once upon a time, a young girl was born into an average, working class family. The wee little girl, convinced she was not an average child but was, in fact, a fairy princess, longed to leave the mundane world behind and live her dreams. She grew up, went to school, and when she’d grown too big to wear tutus and tiaras in public without drawing unwanted attention, turned to writing down her fantasies instead. Now a bit older, her fantasies have grown to include sexually dominant men who know how to ensure a woman’s pleasure. Grace believes all women should be treated like princesses, in the bedroom and out of it, and writes love stories where men know how to make their women feel pampered, protected and very well taken care of. She currently lives in Oregon where she spends her days writing, and her nights in the arms of her very own Prince. Sign up for my mailing list at gracegoodwin.com
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Links to Grace’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: gracegoodwin.com
1st Chapter: http://goo.gl/Syx6BI
Amazon: https://goo.gl/twbg3g
Apple: http://goo.gl/cGe5c1
Nook: http://goo.gl/sj9qId
Kobo: http://goo.gl/unRZc2
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Thanks, Grace, for sharing your book with us today.
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
September 22, 2016
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Crockpot Pot Roast Italiano
It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is CROCKPOT POT ROAST ITALIANO!
I love the fall because I can pull out some of my recipes I only seem to make in cooler weather. If I can toss it into a crockpot and leave it? Even better! Everyone has their favorite pot roast dinner. But, if you want to try a new variation, you might like to try this “Italiano” version. It goes great with mashed potatoes or noodles.
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 278 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.
CROCKPOT POT ROAST ITALIANO
[Serves 6-8]
3-4 lb. pot roast
1 cup pitted black olives, halved
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 tsp. salt
1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, undrained
½ tsp. pepper
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
3 beef bouillon cubes
Cover in crockpot, cook on “high” 5-6 hours or “low” all day. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles. You can thicken the gravy with cornstarch mixture (2 T. cornstarch, enough cold water to thin it, THEN stir into gravy) if it’s not thick enough for you.
Happy Eating!
Congratulations Week 09-12-16 Blog Giveaway Winners!!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK
09-12-16
BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
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Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Debra Salonen…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Debra is giving away a #FREE bookmark to anyone who asks for one-email:DebSalonen@gmail.com and you can download a FREE short, sweet romance in any format through INSTAFREEBIE. Thank you, Debra, for sharing your story with us.
WINNERS: EVERYONE!!
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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Michel Prince… 
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Michel is giving away one (1) e-book copy from Michel’s and Reana’s backlist to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Thank you, Michel, for sharing your story and recipe with us.
WINNER: KIMBERLY T.!!
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Don’t miss the SEASON OF THRILLS BOX SET for only $.99
!!
Five (5) full-length suspense/mystery/ thriller novels by Award-winning and Bestselling Authors JERRIE ALEXANDER, KIM CRESSWELL, K.L. DOCTER, RACHEL KENT and MARIAN LANOUETTE!! Thrills are always in season!!
Get your copy HERE:
Amazon –
Season of Thrills Box Set: 5 Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Novels by Bestselling Authors
KOBO – bit.ly/1VJAw3R
iTunes – apple.co/1huLmNC
B&N – bit.ly/1NvGZjL
chapters.indigo – bit.ly/1LmlQ9y
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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!
September 20, 2016
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Dagger’s Curse (The Fergus & Flora Mysteries Book 1) by Wendy H. Jones
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 DAGGER’S CURSE
The Fergus & Flora Mysteries Book 1
BY WENDY H. JONES
Blurb
An ancient Egyptian dagger.
A hungry curse.
A city under siege.
In the dead of night the ancient dagger is stolen from the museum in Dundee. As mysterious accidents, illness and even death stalk the city, the Detective Duo, Fergus Bernstein and Flora MacDonald, follow clues that lead them into ever increasing danger. Can they find the dagger and break the curse before it’s too late?
THE DAGGER’S CURSE
The Fergus & Flora Mysteries Book 1
BY WENDY H. JONES
Thank you for inviting me along to Karen’s Killer Book Bench. As always, it is a pleasure to spend time with your readers. I am particularly excited about being here today as my latest book was launched in Waterstones Bookshop on Saturday 10th September. The Dagger’s Curse is the first book in my Fergus and Flora Mysteries, Young Adult series. To whet your appetite here is the opening chapter of the book.
Excerpt
Ammon slipped away from the smell of rotting flesh. So many decomposing bodies they had to be buried in history’s first mass grave. Slowly at first, then once on the edge of the battlefield he ran. Fled into the night, hidden by darkness so deep it could smother a man. The sound of the leather of his stout sandals slapping off the ground reverberated through the night. Dust leapt from the dry ground and choked him. He stopped. Coughed. Breathed in the scent of human excrement. There were middens near, signifying habitations. He dare not approach. This meant certain death. They would hand him over to the Pharaoh. Menuhotep had no time for men who dodged their duty. That duty was to die for the king. The loud rasping of his breath called out as though a chimaera screaming in the night. Still he did not stop. He dare not.
He reached his house and collapsed inside the doorway. He heard screaming. His brain could not take in who it was or what it was for. Hands pulled at him and dragged him up against the wall. His wife, Nefret. Sixteen years of age society considered him and adult. Old enough to fight. Old enough to marry. Yet young enough to feel terror. Nefret stroked the rough skin of his cheek, chapped from exposure to the scorching sun and the desert wind. Soothed him despite the dirt and the blood. Blood of his friends who had died or he had left behind on the battlefield. He could hear the screaming and groaning still, an echo of the battlefield rattling around in his brain. It would never go away. The sounds rattled around in his head threatening to explode. He could feel the rough brick wall of the main room, through his tunic. It supported him in his exhaustion. His wife thrust a stone jug of beer into his hand. He grabbed it, eager to slake his thirst. It ran down his chin and splashed the front of his tunic as he gulped. Food next. He stuffed it down, almost choking in his haste.
His hunger sated he staggered into his workroom. Stone jars held the tools of his trade, poisons such as arsenic, opium, strychnine and hemlock. Before his forced march to war he was a master at distilling the rare poisons. This was of no interest to Pharaoh who wanted strong men for his armies. A measured amount from each jar was poured into a clay bowl. Pulling out a small dagger he studied it. Intricate, it was a thing of great beauty. A beauty which contained a murderous underbelly. He dipped the blade in the poison three times. With each descent he chanted the curse.
“Sakhmet conjure up your daimons,
as many as a plague of locusts,
khayty, the daimons of darkness,
bring forth their might,
in power bring pestilence and affliction,
may death be upon those who touch this blade,
in protection throughout time,
those who own it will be saved.”
Dip. Pause. Dip. Pause. Dip. Too important to rush, the most powerful curse in the land was sealed. The passage of centuries could not break it. A curse of protection, its owner would be untouched. Any person, from peasant to Pharaoh, who tried to break the bond between owner and dagger, would die. This would not be a pleasant death, but one too horrible for human imagination. No one would dare unleash the curse.
***
The book is set in contemporary Scotland but starts in ancient Egypt. I had a blast researching and writing the book and I hope you enjoy it just as much. Signed copies of the book are available from my website and also from the Books to Treasure Website.
Meet Author Wendy H. Jones
… 
Wendy H. Jones lives in Scotland, and her police procedural series featuring Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie, is set in the beautiful city of Dundee, Scotland. Wendy has led a varied and adventurous life. Her love for adventure led to her joining the Royal Navy to undertake nurse training. After six years in the Navy she joined the Army where she served as an Officer for a further 17 years. This took her all over the world including Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Much of her spare time is now spent travelling around the UK, and lands much further afield. As well as nursing Wendy also worked for many years in Academia. This led to publication in academic textbooks and journals. Killer’s Countdown is her first novel and the first book in the Shona McKenzie Mystery series.
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Links to Wendy’s website, blog, books, etc.
The Dagger’s Curse: http://amzn.to/2cyYRg4
The DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries:
Killer’s Countdown: http://amzn.to/2cv5azd
Killer’s Craft: http://amzn.to/2cIqpNC
Killer’s Cross: http://amzn.to/2cyYP7U
Killer’s Cut: http://amzn.to/2d6Q2c9
Website: http://www.wendyhjones.com
Amazon Author page: http://author.to/WendyHJones
Twitter: twitter.com/wendyhjones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthor/
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Wendy is giving away a #FREE book, DI Shona McKenzie’s Guide to Killing Your Boss, from her website (link above) so dash over there today and subscribe to her newsletter. Thanks, Wendy, for sharing your books with us today.
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
September 19, 2016
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Crushing on Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #4) by Melissa Foster
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!
~~
CRUSHING ON LOVE
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #4
BY MELISSA FOSTER
Blurb
Steve Johnson is living his life’s passion watching over the Colorado Mountains as a ranger and wildlife consultant. But his peaceful life is upended when overzealous and insanely beautiful Shannon Braden flits back into his life after returning from a brief trip home to Maryland. He thought his attraction to her was under control—after all, she’s only in Colorado temporarily, and he doesn’t do casual affairs.
Shannon’s return to Colorado has as much to do with the game of cat and mouse she and Steve have been playing as it does the data she’s been hired to collect. But despite her efforts to explore the undeniable heat simmering between them, Steve’s intent on keeping his distance.
When a ranch abutting the national park goes up for sale, Steve will do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. And when all his attempts fail, he’s left with no alternative but to follow Shannon’s guidance into the online world he abhors in order to raise the funds. The more time they spend together, the deeper their attraction becomes, and a game of cat and mouse turns into an unstoppable connection. But when Shannon’s assignment comes to an end, will it mean an end to them, too?
CRUSHING ON LOVE
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #4
BY MELISSA FOSTER
Excerpt
Shannon watched Steve swing his ax. He was built like the very mountains he loved: strong and stable, with layers of hard-earned muscles born from honest, hard work. Pure perfection. And that hair? Lord. What would it be like to fist her hands in his hair and kiss him? To touch all those hard planes of muscle? To discover the man behind the walls? She told herself those were wants not needs, no matter how much they felt like it. The kind of unrelenting wants that bring a girl to reach beneath the sheets and satisfy her fantasies.
Down, girl.
Shannon had been surprised by how much she’d missed Steve when she’d gone home for her eldest brother Cole’s wedding. She and Steve hadn’t spent more than a few stolen moments together during the weeks she was here for her first assignment. Usually she’d catch him working on equipment, or in his yard, before she returned to her uncle’s ranch in the evenings. He’d captivated her with his passion for, and endless knowledge about, all things wilderness related. And he was different from most of the guys she knew. He wasn’t hung up on his looks or material things. He was real, with a strong set of values and priorities. Somehow, between their almost daily conversations and weeks of hoping she’d see him, she’d become completely and utterly taken with him.
When she’d been offered the assignment and the cabin, she’d accepted without hesitation. She’d missed Steve too much to deny the attraction, and she wanted to see if something might come of it.
Now that she was here, her body was thrumming at the mere sight of him. Given that she’d actually asked him about his sex life—and nearly died on the spot when the question slipped out—she desperately needed to rein herself in.
He wiped sweat from his brow, his tanned skin glistening in the morning sun. “Need anything from town?” he asked, setting another log on the stump.
She couldn’t pry her eyes from his rippling abs and his bulbous biceps flexing with every move. “Town?”
He cocked a smile and hoisted the ax again. “Town. You know, the place where people who like Pinterest live?”
She forced her eyes away, glancing at the trees swaying in the breeze, the rocks at her feet, anywhere but at him.
“I know what town is. I’m just surprised you’re going there.” Everyone knew Steve hated to leave his precious mountain.
“Gotta take care of some business.”
Going into town was a big deal. Unlike a quick trip to the store from her apartment in Peaceful Harbor, the drive into town took at least thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on which town he was going to. She’d realized last night she’d forgotten two very important supplies. Pop-Tarts and toilet paper. She could probably live with the single roll of toilet paper she had in the cabin for another few days if she needed to, but Pop-Tarts were pretty much a necessity. Besides, maybe she could convince Steve to help her scout gray-fox habitats at dusk. Perfect!
“Can I come with you?” she asked hopefully. “I need to pick up a few things.”
“I’ll get them for you. What do you need?”
She bit her lower lip, willing herself not to fib. But if she asked him to pick up what she really needed, he’d leave and she’d have to go searching for habitats by herself. Now that she’d thought about going later with her yummy mountain man, she’d already settled on it in her mind.
“It’s girl stuff. You won’t want to get it.” So much for not fibbing. “Can I please go with you?” She gave him her best pleading look. “I promise not to talk your ear off.” Fib, fib, fib! She had no control over what came out of her mouth, especially around him.
He muttered under his breath and set the ax against the stump. “I’m not making a hundred stops.”
She leapt with delight and ran over to hug him. Her heel slipped out of her boot and she stumbled into him in a half hug, half full-body-draped-over-Steve embrace. His skin was hot, his body was hard, and getting harder by the second. He smelled like man and musk, and…she was still plastered against him.
She cleared her throat and managed, “Thank you.” Using his chest for leverage—yum, yum—she found her footing and pressed her heel back into her boot. “One stop. That’s it. Promise.”
“You’re excited to get those supplies.” He picked up the logs he’d chopped and piled them on his forearm like they were toothpicks.
“I’m just excited to be back. Maybe at dusk you can help me map out the habitats? It’ll be fun to scope them out together.”
He gave her a curious look. “Haven’t heard anyone describe hanging out with me as fun in a long time.”
“Then you’re hanging out with losers, and I’m taking that as a yes.” She grabbed the coffee mugs, unable to stop smiling.
“I’m leaving in twenty minutes.”
“I’ll be back lickety-split.” With a bounce in her step, she headed toward her cabin and heard him mutter, “Lickety-split,” followed by a chuckle.
Meet Author Melissa Foster …
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented.
~~~
Links to Melissa’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour:
http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/06/crushing-on-love-love-in-bloom-bradens.html
Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24779233-crushing-on-love
Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/114969-love-in-bloom-the-bradens
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
~~
Thanks, Melissa, for sharing your book with us today! Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
September 18, 2016
**Author Peek** Interview with Wendy H. Jones
**Author Peek** Interview with
WENDY H. JONES!
INTRODUCING…Wendy.
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 live in the beautiful city of Dundee, Scotland where I am fortunate to be a full time writer. As I write this I am somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean on my way to New Orleans where I will be speaking at Bouchercon, a crime festival. This combines my three favourite occupations, writing, reading and travelling. It is so much fun being a writer.
1. How did you get started writing?
I was in both the Royal Navy and the Army for many years, and then worked in Academia. This led to publication in academic journals and textbooks. I was in the fortunate position to take very early retirement which meant I could write full time. I had an idea for book and wrote the bulk of the first draft during NaNoWriMo. Several people read it and said they liked it so that was the start of my writing career.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write crime fiction. I have been reading crime fiction since I was a child, starting with the Famous Five and Nancy Drew. I moved on to adult crime books when I was ten, so writing in this genre was a natural progression.
3. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
As a crime writer I am usually thinking about locations for the books. If I drive through beautiful countryside I am usually thinking that would be a great place to bury a body. Saying that I can still enjoy the beautiful countryside despite the fact I am littering it with corpses.
4. What is your favorite part of writing?
Seeing the finished product and the book in my hands. It is always a joy and an amazing feeling to know that I have written something which will bring enjoyment to so many people.
5. What is your least favorite part of writing?
When I realise that something isn’t working and I need to cut several hundred words that I have slaved over. It is tough to cut those words but worth it in the end. It’s important to keep the final book in mind during this time.
6. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?
Joanna Lumley as my mother and James Patterson as my father. Joanna because she is so much fun and yet compassionate and passionate about just causes. James Patterson because you might as well have a helping hand with the writing.
7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Straight out of my head. Fans of my books have told me that my head is a worrying place to be.
8. Tell me about your ideal reader.
One who loves reading Scottish fiction. The setting is an essential part of my writing as I want to show people the Scotland I love. Also a reader who likes to get inside the mind of the killer.
9. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.
I am fortunate in that I can write anywhere so I don’t have a set routine. Somewhere where the phone doesn’t ring endlessly would be good. As I say I am writing this over the Atlantic and plan on doing some on the next DI Shona McKenzie Mystery once I have finished.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I have two series so it will be books rather than book. The first Fergus and Flora Mystery was launched on 10th September, so the ink is still fresh. This is called The Dagger’s Curse and is a Young Adult Mystery.
The fifth book in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries will be released on 7th November. The launch will be in Waterstones, Dundee. This is called Killer’s Crew. The first four books in the series are called Killer’s Countdown, Killer’s Craft, Killer’s Cross and Killer’s Cut.
~~~~~
Be sure to come back to read more about Wendy and THE DAGGER’S CURSE, The Fergus and Flora Mysteries Book 1, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
~~~
Links to Wendy’s website, blog, books, etc.
The Dagger’s Curse: http://amzn.to/2cyYRg4
The DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries:
Killer’s Countdown: http://amzn.to/2cv5azd
Killer’s Craft: http://amzn.to/2cIqpNC
Killer’s Cross: http://amzn.to/2cyYP7U
Killer’s Cut: http://amzn.to/2d6Q2c9
Website: http://www.wendyhjones.com
Amazon Author page: http://author.to/WendyHJones
Twitter: twitter.com/wendyhjones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthor/
~~
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Wendy is giving away a #FREE book, DI Shona McKenzie’s Guide to Killing Your Boss, from her website (link above) so dash over there today and subscribe to her newsletter. Thanks, Wendy, for sharing your books with us today.
September 15, 2016
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Reana Malori & Michel Prince ~ #recipe Double-Decker Fudge
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with MICHEL PRINCE!
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 authors, REANA MALORI & MICHEL PRINCE, and Michel’s favorite recipe for DOUBLE-DECKER FUDGE.
~~~
UNWRAPPING A MARRIAGE
By REANA MALORI & MICHEL PRINCE
Blurb
What do you do when the love that once set you free, feels like it’s holding you prisoner?
Sterling and Elizabeth Jackson have built a life most would envy. A beautiful home, two wonderful children and a very comfortable lifestyle. Yet something is tearing them apart. With divorce looming, they are trying to make it through the holiday season for their family.
With clashing schedules, demands from employers and two busy kids, the former lovers have managed to stay out of each other’s orbit, at least for a while. But Fate, or maybe their well-meaning family, has set them up on a collision course.
Past memories bubble up to the surface and there’s nothing to stem the flow. What once was amazing has turned hurtful and full of pain. But is that the real story? Is it too late for a couple who once lived and breathed for each other to find their way back?
There’s a thin line between love and hate. Will Sterling and Elizabeth be able to mend a love that seems broken and lost, or will the final pull on the holiday ribbon unwrap their last chance to save their marriage.
UNWRAPPING A MARRIAGE
By REANA MALORI & MICHEL PRINCE
EXCERPT
The woman who’d been twitching, smiled broadly and walked out with Elizabeth back into the auditorium. “Thank you so much, I’m Nicole, I haven’t seen you around at the studio.”
Although the woman wasn’t trying to be hurtful, Elizabeth didn’t need the reminder she’d missed ninety-seven percent of Molly’s dancing career.
“You must be Sterling’s wife.”
“Yes, that obvious?”
“Well, walking in with Molly didn’t hurt, but he’s dressed that woman down more than once.”
“And she’s still acting that way?”
“Not to Sterling.” The woman found a spot and stopped. “Plus, when I asked about Molly’s mom he described a no holds barred sexy red head that fools only cross once.”
“He said that?”
“He also said he was a fool who loved crossing you.”
Elizabeth sat by her mother who’d finally arrived and kept her coat over the chair next to her. The curtain moved on the edge and she saw Molly peeking out and scanning the audience. Elizabeth gave her a reassuring smile, but could see the disappointment on her face. A sharp pain stabbed at Elizabeth’s heart as her daughter put on a brave face. How many more moments was Sterling willing to miss in her life? Turning her head, she searched for Sterling in hopes of finding him for Molly, but no—once again, work takes priority.
The lights lowered in the auditorium and Elizabeth looked back at her daughter who’s face lit up like a Christmas tree before going back behind the curtain.
“Here you go,” Sterling said as he picked up Elizabeth’s jacket and passed it to her before sitting down and resting his carry-on next to his seat. “Beth.”
The music started and Elizabeth turned to hear what Sterling was saying. Heat surged through her body. She’d leaned in closer than expected and she ended up brushing her lips against his. Both former lovers froze. Their eyes locked for a moment. Elizabeth held her breath and Sterling’s eyelids became hooded.
“You need something?” she asked in a hushed whisper pulling back just enough to avoid the contact, but not so far she couldn’t still smell his cologne; dark and manly. She’d forgotten how warm it made her feel.
He moved to her ear, this time she knew the graze of his lips wasn’t an accident. “I do,” he replied.
For the first time in longer than she could remember, Elizabeth felt desired. “What would that be?”
“It can wait,” Sterling whispered. “Our baby is coming out.”
Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered as she tried to come back down from the rush of hormones she forgot she had. Sterling drew out the word our and memories of being part of a couple made tears pinprick her eyes. All she needed was contact with Sterling and she’d become overwhelmed by conflicting emotions. Turning her head, she looked down the aisle of seats filled with their parents and son wondering if there was a possibility they could save their marriage. One thing she knew for certain, is they would have to do it. A marriage was between two people, but was the ‘our’ too far gone to save?
About Authors Reana Malori & Michel Prince… 
Reana’s stories focus on multicultural / interracial romance. A firm believer that LOVE in all its forms should be celebrated, her goal is to weave a story that pulls the reader into her world and share in her universe, even if only for a short time. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband, and has two very handsome sons. You can most often find her enjoying a good book, as she is first and foremost a reader. And she loves a good romance.
Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.
With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.
~~~
Links to Reana & Michel’s Website, Books, & Social Media:
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNpZIXERUl4
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ciziPn
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2bNQVpE
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/654741
Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/unwrapping-a-marriage
Facebook:
Reana https://www.facebook.com/Reana.Malori.Author/?fref=ts
Michel https://www.facebook.com/MichelPrinceBooks/
I hope you enjoy the recipe Michel is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 276 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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Note from Michel: This is the Double-Decker fudge I used to make every Christmas, but life knocked me off much like our hero and heroine. If nothing else this book is bringing this sweet treat back into our house this year. It’s from “Gifts from the Christmas Kitchen” a book I got years ago from Publications International LTD.
DOUBLE-DECKER FUDGE
[Makes 5 dozen pieces or 2 lb.]
1 cup REESE’S peanut butter chips
1 cup Hershey’s semi sweet chocolate chips or mini chips
2 ¼ cups sugar
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow crème
¾ cup evaporated milk
¼ cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Line 8-inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan. In a medium bowl, place peanut butter chips. In a second medium bowl, place chocolate chips. In heavy 3-quart saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow crème, evaporated milk and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil: Boil 5 minutes. Stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Immediately stir half of the hot mixture (1 ½ cups) into peanut butter chips until chips are completely melted; quickly spread into prepared pan. Stir remaining hot mixture into chocolate chips until chips are completely melted. Quickly spread over top of peanut butter layer. Cool to room temperature; refrigerate until firm. Use foil to lift fudge out of pan; peel off foil. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.
** Now, if you want straight chocolate fudge or straight peanut butter fudge just omit the other and make it that way. I usually make all three versions.
~~~
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Michel is giving away one (1) e-book copy from Michel’s and Reana’s backlist to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Thanks, Michel and Reana, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
September 14, 2016
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Heart of Delight (Handful of Hearts Book 3) by Jenna Jaxon
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!
~~
HEART OF DELIGHT
Handful of Hearts Book 3
BY JENNA JAXON
Blurb
He’ll do anything to be her heart’s delight—except tell the truth.
Gabriella d’Adventure is on a mission. She has come to England as a lady’s maid in pursuit of the Duke of Rother. When she meets Horace Carpenter, valet to a marquess, she is delighted to enlist his aid in gaining her heart’s desire: a meeting with the duke. But will her growing feelings for the handsome valet interfere with her plans for the duke?
The eccentric Marquess of Halford, Hal to his friends, is tired of the demands of Society, especially his father’s decree that he marry this Season. When a breathtaking young woman intrudes on his solitude, he is captivated and introduces himself as his valet in hopes of learning more about her. Despite his fear about the true motive behind Gabriella’s quest to meet the Duke of Rother, Hal agrees to help her gain an audience with him, all the while praying his deception won’t ruin his chances of winning her love.
HEART OF DELIGHT
Handful of Hearts Book 3
BY JENNA JAXON
Excerpt
“Bonsoir, mademoiselle,” he said, rising from the floor to bow. He hoped she would speak again. Her lilting, vibrant voice would haunt his dreams.
“Bonsoir, monsieur.” She wrinkled her petite nose. “You are English, non?”
“I am. My French is abominable, but I hoped to impress you with what I remember of it.” Hal smiled. He’d never got the hang of languages other than his own.
The girl laughed, tossing her head. “You have a good accent for an Englishman.”
“Thank you.”
She glanced from the balcony rail to the doorway and bit her lip.
“Is there some way I may be of service to you, Mademoiselle…?” He must know the name of this beautiful creature.
“D’Aventure,” she said, with a small but graceful curtsy. “Gabriella Veronique Marie d’Aventure. Mais, non. I am fine, monsieur.” Again, she slid her gaze toward the balcony railing.
Well, he had a name, at least. Better than complete ignorance. “Have you, come, perhaps, to watch the dancing?”
She nodded, keeping her attention on him. “Yes, my lady does not require me at the moment, so I thought it would be nice to see how the English dance.” Her smile quite took his breath away. “May I?”
“Please.” Hal stepped back and motioned her in front of him.
She moved like air on water, seeming to glide without touching the planked floor. When she reached the railing, she studied the dancers, now engaged in a country dance. “They are very beautiful, the English ladies, in their best gowns.” A glance at him and her smile broadened. “Not as beautiful as the great French ladies of the royal court, of course, but their gowns are well made.” She giggled. “Perhaps they have a French modiste.”
“I suspect many of them do.” Unable to help himself, Hal stared at the charming girl. Fortunately, the dancers held her interest so she missed this lapse of manners.
Entranced, she peered over the rail, her gaze darting from one couple to another, her hand beating time on the rail. Then she frowned and shook her head. “Non, non. C’est impossible.”
“What is impossible, mademoiselle?” She was obviously looking for someone. But who?
Meet Author Jenna Jaxon …
Jenna Jaxon is a best-selling, multi-published author of historical romance in periods ranging from medieval to Victorian. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and two rambunctious cats, Marmalade and Suger. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.
Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and is very active in Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA.
She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
~~~
Links to Jenna’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cmGMPF
Website: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @Jenna_Jaxon
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Jenna-Jaxon-146857578723570/
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Thanks, Jenna, for sharing your book with us today! Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
September 13, 2016
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Black Hills Native Son (Black Hills Rendezvous Book 5) by Debra Salonen
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!
~~
BLACK HILLS NATIVE SON
Black Hills Rendezvous Book 5
BY DEBRA SALONEN
Blurb
His journey of discovery brings more than he ever hoped—a son, and the woman he was meant to love.
Eli Robideaux’s vision quest takes him down a road he never wanted to walk—to the past. His mistakes—even the ones he made for the right reasons—have come back to haunt him. He doesn’t understand why, but stumbling across Char Jones feels like grabbing on to a lifeline that might keep him from falling into the bone-deep despair that had been his father’s ruin.
No one is more surprised than Char when the unrequited love of her life walks into her Black Hills store, looking for the missing pieces of himself. She holds the key to one of those pieces—the son Eli never knew they had, the baby she put up for adoption. But is she brave enough to let go of her guilt and lead them on a journey that could hold love and hope…or almost certain heartbreak?
BLACK HILLS NATIVE SON
Black Hills Rendezvous Book 5
BY DEBRA SALONEN
Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Naked and shivering in the mid-November cold, Eli took a deep breath of sage-scented air and forced himself to precede his patiently waiting host into the inipi, or sweat lodge.
The darkness was immediate and blinding. He stumbled over a rug or pillow of some kind, relying on guidance from the old man who called himself Tunkaschila, grandfather. “Sit, my boy,” the man said in the Lakota tongue.
Eli understood at what must have been a cellular level since he’d never been formally educated in the language of his father’s people. He sat, forcing his eyes to open as wide as possible. He assumed they’d adjust to the darkness in a moment or two, but as he looked into the heavily saturated black heat he couldn’t make out a single shape or form, although he sensed others were in the reed and clay reinforced walls of the chamber lodge.
Read more… DebSalonen
Meet Author Debra Salonen …
Winner of Romantic Times Reviewer’s Career Achievement “Series Storyteller of the Year” award in 2006, Debra Salonen’s 26 titles for Harlequin Publishing have sold more than 2.3 million copies, worldwide.
A six-time nominee for RT’s Best Superromance of the Year award, Debra took home that honor with a most unlikely hero and never-say-die heroine. Now, out-of-print, that book will join her BLACK HILLS RENDEZVOUS series in May, 2016.
BLACK HILLS BABY – Hollywood meets the “real” wild west.
BLACK HILLS BILLIONAIRE – What if his $$ isn’t enough to save her?
BLACK HILLS BAD BOY – He’s hell on wheels…in his dreams.
BLACK HILLS BACHELOR – Single by choice, no Hollywood princesses need apply.
BLACK HILLS OUTCAST – Hiding out from life works just fine…until he meets Rachel.
BLACK HILLS WHITE KNIGHT – His suit is Armani–not armor.
~~~
Links to Debra’s website, blog, books, etc.
NOOK: http://littl.ink/BHNSBN
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2chZ2ex
KOBO: http://littl.ink/BHNSKOBO
iBOOKS: http://littl.ink/BHNSiBook
GooglePlay: http://littl.ink/BHNSPlay
Debra LOVES connecting with readers. Visit her Black Hills Rendezvous page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsrendezvous/
Or connect with her here:
Website: DebSalonen
I so appreciate it if you’d follow me on BookBub (where you get great deals) or on my Debra Salonen Author page at Amazon
Happy reading,
Deb Salonen
~~
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: I’d be happy to send anyone who asks a FREE bookmark—just email me: DebSalonen@gmail.com and you can download a FREE short, sweet romance in any format through INSTAFREEBIE.
Thanks, Debra, for sharing your book with us today! Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
