Karen Docter's Blog, page 221

**Author Peek** Interview with Michele Callahan’s ALONE WITH YOU hero, Jake Walker

**Author Peek** Interview with Michele Callahan’s ALONE WITH YOU hero, Jake Walker

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INTRODUCING…Hero, Jake Walker.

Hello everyone. Jake Walker here. I’m the youngest brother in the Walker family, but also the best looking. And yes, please tell my hard-ass brother, Derek, I said so.

My creator, Michele Callahan, asked me to reach out to all of you ladies and explain the basic fundamentals of falling in love, from a country boy’s point of view.

Well, I’m afraid I just can’t do that. I never fell in love. Ever. You think I’m lying, but I’m telling you the honest-to-God truth. I took one look at Claire Miller, and I loved her. There was no falling. No thinking about it, or questioning things. We were nine years old, but that didn’t matter. I knew, deep down in my gut, I knew she was mine.

Right up until the day she left me behind.

I had a diamond ring in my pocket and forever on my mind. Didn’t bother me that we were barely eighteen years old. But I guess it bothered her. She had dreams that didn’t include living in a small town. She stood on my front porch and told me that I couldn’t make her happy, that the life I led on the ranch wasn’t enough for her.

It hurt like hell, but I did what I had to do…I let her go.

That was seven years ago, seven long damn years. I grew up, lost my mom, gave my brothers hell, and tried to bury the memory of Claire in another woman’s arms.

Hell yeah, it was stupid, and my brothers told me at the time, but I can be a bit stubborn, especially when it comes to women, so I refused to listen. I dated. I even asked one of them to marry me. She moved to the ranch and left a few weeks later, said she couldn’t live in a house haunted by a ghost.

Well, there’s no ghost here. The place isn’t haunted by anything more than a decade of memories. The ghost in this house is Claire Miller.

Now, what the hell does any of this sappy, pathetic, sad story have to do with why I’m here, talking to all of you? Well, Ms. Callahan tells me that Claire’s coming back into town – but she’s only planning on staying for three short weeks.

I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I do know one thing, I love her. I’ve always loved her. And I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep her this time, even if it means playing dirty, because I’m playing for keeps.

~ Jake

Alone With You

Love You Like A Love Song, Book 2

By Michele Callahan

Now available at Apple iBooks, or for Pre-Order at Amazon.

Coming Feb. 17 to Kobo and Nook

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Be sure to come back to read more about Jake, Michele and her novel, ALONE WITH YOU, Love You Like A Love Song Book 2,  on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!

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Links to Michele’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:

Alone With You (Love You Like A Love Song Book 2)

Alone With You – Apple:   https://goo.gl/dcgril

Website: michelecallahan.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/michele.callahan.142

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/michelecallahan

SIGN UP FOR ML/MICHELE’S MAILING LISTS FOR LATEST NEWS!

Just copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://goo.gl/ZS8A6h

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Michele will give away signed paperback copies (US. ONLY) of the first two books, CRASH AND BURN and ALONE WITH YOU, to one lucky reader who comments on today’s **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog  on Wednesday. Thank you, Michele, for sharing your stories with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Congratulations Week 02-01-16 Winners!

 CONGRATULATIONS WEEK

02-01-16

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

~~~

  Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Rena Marks…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Rena will give away an e-book copy of KISS ME BEFORE I DIE or THE HUNTER (1st in the Stargazer Series) ~ winner’s choice ~ to a lucky reader who comments with WHICH STORY IS PREFERRED AND WHY on today’s **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog  on Wednesday. Thank you, Rena, for sharing your story with us! 

WINNER: COLLEEN C.!!

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  Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Sue Barr…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Sue will give away a paperback or digital copy ~ winner’s choice ~ of MAN OF HER DREAMS to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. Thank you, Sue, for sharing your story with us. 

WINNER: KATHLEEN BYLSMA!!

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Tracee Lydia Garner …

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Tracee will give away a small Target Valentine’s Day tote bag (US ONLY) to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Book Bench Blog. Thank you, Tracee, for sharing your story with us!

WINNER: bn100!!

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It’s not too late to #WIN a $15 Amazon gift card courtesy of Kristina Mathews, author of EARNING A RING.

Enter: http://www.karendocter.com/karens-killer-book-bench-earning-a-ring-by-kristina-mathews.html

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It’s not too late to #WIN a Texas West handbag and wallet set courtesy of Victoria Vane, author of HELL ON HEELS!

Enter: http://www.karendocter.com/karens-killer-fixins-author-special-with-victoria-vane.html

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EVERYONE’S A WINNER!!!

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!!

Get your copy HERE:

Amazon – amzn.to/1WS2RHV

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!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Patricia Coleman

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with PATRICIA COLEMAN!

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, PATRICIA COLEMAN, and her favorite recipe for CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES!

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TEA AND TREACHERY

A Regency Romantic Mystery

BY PATRICIA COLEMAN

Blurb

What’s a lady to do when she finds the man who knows the truth about her brother’s death stuffed under a fountain?

For aristocratic blue-stocking Cassandra Douglas, it is the start of an adventure that throws her into the arms of her long-absent fiancé, Major Jason Cameron. Together they must solve a riddle written in runes, thwart a Bonapartist plot, and maneuver through the intricacies of Regency society and their own prejudices.

With each perilous step they take toward solving the murder, Cassandra and Jason’s love rekindles. But will an unexpected betrayal and an unknown assassin destroy their happy ending?

About Author Patricia Coleman … 

Patricia Coleman, aka P. R. Morris, is a critically acclaimed author of historical, amateur sleuth, and alternative history short stories and novels. She has received two Reviewers’ Choice awards. One critic wrote “Ms. Coleman writes with elegance and pizzaz.” (Romantic Times). Pat grew up as an “Army brat” and lived in many countries, including Germany and Thailand. The experience taught her a sense of humor will get you through most awkward siturations, like having your skirt ripped off by a baby elephant. Pat now lives in Colorado where she teaches at a local college and works with special needs teenagers. She volunteers as a docent at the local zoo.

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Links to Patricia’s Website, Books, & Social Media:

Website: pcoleman.org

Amazon:

Tea And Treachery

I hope you enjoy the recipe Patricia is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 245 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 Patricia: As a historic mystery writer I am always fascinated by the social rituals our ancestors participated in. One of the most prevailing of these in England is the English tea. During the Regency and Victorian eras, afternoon tea was a major social event and a prime source for the latest news and gossip. Authors from Jane Austen to Gail Carriger have used the English afternoon tea as a device for providing information to their readers and their sleuths. I certainly did in Tea and Treachery. One of the most common tidbits served during these events was the scone. Most historians feel the scone originated in Scotland as an oat griddle cake and was probably named after the famous Stone of Destiny, also called the Stone of Scone, a central part of the coronation of the kings of Scotland. According to Hungry History, a food history website, Anna, Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861) is the one who first served the scone as part of her afternoon tea. Queen Victoria’s scones were made without fruit in the dough. At this time the scone would be topped with preserves and clotted cream. Scones have evolved from the basic sweet bread served by the duchess to include a variety of fruits, candies, and nuts. I’m not sure where this recipe originated, but this chocolate chip scone has been very popular with my family, fellow authors, and neighbors. I hope you enjoy it too.

CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

¼ cup white sugar

½ cup milk

2 tsps. Baking soda

2 table spoons milk (hold to side)

½ tsp. salt

½ cup confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)

¼ cup chilled butter

Put four, white sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips into a large bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add ½ cup milk and form into dough.

Knead dough 8 to 10 times on a lightly floured surface. Form into two flattened 6 inch circles. Put on baking sheet and divide each circle into six slices. Brush milk you set aside across the tops.

Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes or until risen and golden brown. Sift confectioner’s sugar over them and serve.

You can use this basic dough recipe and add your favorite fruits (I like apples and blueberries) instead of the chocolate chips. A friend of mine crushes peppermint candy and adds it for the holidays.

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Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your story and recipe with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Me + You by Brenda Gayle

 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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ME + YOU

A Candy Hearts Romance

BY BRENDA GAYLE

Blurb

Teacher Lori Tait has always wanted a family, but now she’s 40, she’s pretty much decided all the good men are taken. Instead, she devotes herself to her students, particularly one little girl whose struggle with math seems inconsistent with an otherwise brilliant and artistic mind.

Mark Wilder hadn’t planned to become a father, but when a fling resulted in his daughter, Grace, he whole-heartedly embraced the role. Raised in a family of boys, what does he know about women and girls? Once he learns of Grace’s inability to comprehend basic math, he welcomes the role of tutor as a way to connect with his daughter; the opportunity to spend time with her sexy teacher is an added bonus.

When Lori cracks the mystery of Grace’s problem Mark’s world is thrown into turmoil; he’s the last person who can help his daughter. He pushes everyone away, confirming Lori’s theory about men. Grace, however, has other plans. Using her new-found understanding of math, she sets out to prove to her father and teacher that, together, they add up to the perfect match.

ME + YOU

A Candy Hearts Romance

BY BRENDA GAYLE

“…if I wait much longer I will be too old to be accepted into an IVF program.”

“I could give you one of my kids on a rotating basis.” Sharon grinned. “You could take a different one every week. Heck, I’d even throw in Tom for a week, he’s almost as bad as the young ones.”

“I’m serious!”

“I know.” Sharon sobered. “But raising a child isn’t easy, especially if you have to do it on your own. For all I rag on Tom about being a big kid, I couldn’t manage without him.”

“Lots of women do it,” Lori said stubbornly.

“True,” Sharon conceded. She took a sip of her drink and then seriously observed Lori over the rim of her cup. “Okay.” She put the cup down on the table and sat up straighter. “But if you’re determined to have a child, don’t do in vitro. Find some sexy hot stud and, at least, have the fun of doing it the old-fashioned way.”

Lori gagged on a mouthful of mochaccino, trying not to spit it out with laughter. “And where do you think I will find such a specimen?” she asked when she managed to compose herself.

Sharon shrugged. “What about Mr. Tall, Dark, and Yummy?” She pointed over Lori’s shoulder.

Lori swiveled in her chair and found herself staring at the crotch of a poster-sized Mark Wilder exiting one of his famous purple Jeeps. She quickly raised her gaze to the familiar stubbled chin and deep brown eyes, but not before she felt the crimson rush of embarrassment flood her face. He was the only man she’d met recently that looked better than his picture. Take a Trip to the Wild Side with Sedona’s Wilder Jeep Tours, the poster proclaimed.

Yessiree, if she was picking a partner on looks alone, she’d definitely take a trip to the wild side with him.

Meet the Author, Brenda Gayle … 

I’ve been a writer all my life but returned to my love of fiction after more than 20 years in the world of corporate communications–although some might argue there is plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. I have a Master’s degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in psychology. A fan of many genres, I am drawn to contemporary romance and enjoy creating deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense.

I live in eastern Ontario with my wonderful husband, two fabulous children, a rescued cat, two Siberian Huskies, and assorted aquatic wildlife.

~~~

Links to Brenda’s website, blog, books, etc.

Link to Follow Tour:

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/11/me-you-by-brenda-gayle.html

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28238422-me-you?ac=1&from_search=1

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Forty-Four Book Thirteen by Jools Sinclair

 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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FORTY-FOUR

Book Thirteen

BY JOOLS SINCLAIR

Blurb

A fallen angel by her side, Abby Craig is going straight to Hell.

But not without a fight.

The battle lines have been drawn. It’s a fight between good and evil, darkness and light, Heaven and Hell, the past and the future, and may the best ghost whisperer win.

Except this isn’t a fairytale, and Abby Craig doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

FORTY-FOUR

Book Thirteen

BY JOOLS SINCLAIR

Chapter 1

I rode for hours on my motorcycle under a sweltering summer sun with Samael’s arms hooked around my waist, my mind replaying that chilling vision of him standing at the top of a hill high above an ancient city.

He was younger, his hair cropped close to his scalp, but he had those same eyes. Ice cold and fierce. He was staring out with death in those eyes, ready to destroy anything and everything that dared cross his path.

But it wasn’t Samael that made me shiver even as I wiped the sweat from the back of my neck. It was the thing that walked up the hill to meet him that filled me with terror. Although Samael’s face was brimming with disdain as they spoke, he didn’t turn the demon away. And when the creature began speaking of revenge the angel’s eyes flickered hot with interest.

The demon pushed harder then, his voice soft and rhythmic, almost like a prayer. Whatever he was offering, Samael wanted it. Needed it. And as the snow began to fall, the disgust in Samael’s expression fell away too.

He looked out at the city once more, dropped to his knees, and kissed the hand of Evil.

The smile that crept across those inky lips spoke of a great victory, as if the demon had just acquired something very special.

I touched the St. Christopher dangling from my neck and said a prayer over the rumble of the engine. I thought of the old woman in the chile fields of New Mexico who had given me the medal, remembering how afraid she was of Samael when she saw him that first time. Her eyes had grown three times their normal size as she stared, shaking her head. She had called him “diablo.”

I wondered now if she had been right.

When Samael had met me at the bottom of the lake at my death, I had assumed he was an angel. I never questioned his motives. I never thought for one moment that he was aligned with Lucifer.

If Samael sensed my suspicions now, he didn’t let on. But there was something different. It wasn’t like when we traveled before and he’d meet me in a town somewhere or linger in a garden until I showed up. Now he never left my side. He rode with me all day and at night he’d stay outside my window in the parking lot. When I couldn’t sleep, I’d pull back the curtains and find him out there sitting on the roof of a car, hovering near the motel office, leaning against the bike.

Was he worried that I would leave him? He didn’t have to be. Regardless of his own motivation or alliances or why he needed my help, there was no way I was walking away. Not now. I was finishing this.

Too much had happened, too many lives had been lost and ruined. Nathaniel Mortimer needed to be stopped. Somehow, he had come back from the dead. And now he was trying to bring an army of dark souls with him. These souls would possess the living and signal the end of life as we knew it.

I was in this until the end, until I threw Nathaniel into a black void so deep that he could never again crawl out. There was nowhere else for me to go now except straight into that darkness.

When we crossed the state line into Florida, I pulled into a rest area and cut the engine. Getting off my bike, I fought through a river of running children and shuffling old men walking little white dogs. Normally with this kind of crowd I would have kept going, but my body was still adjusting to riding several hours a day after all those months at the monastery. I had knots in my back and legs and felt like a tin man. I needed a break.

I wandered over to the row of vending machines, shot in some quarters, grabbed a cold bottle of water and took it over to the large travel display in front of the restrooms. I gulped as I studied the map on the wooden board.

It was dotted with cartoonish renderings of parrots, flowers, palm trees, pelicans, and smiling alligators. I saw that I was still far from Marathon, a small town in the Florida Keys.

But even without looking at a map I knew that I was heading in the right direction. I sensed him up ahead like a storm, waiting. When I closed my eyes, I could see those tall thunderheads piling high at the rims on the horizon, smell the rain pooling in the layers, feel the tug of a dark watery riptide pulling at me. Even if I wanted to, there was no escape. The battle had already begun.

When the crowds parted for a moment, I stepped in the restroom and splashed handfuls of water on my face, dousing my head. As I toweled off, I caught my reflection in the mirror and stared at it for a time.

Something was different. Something had changed.

I no longer looked like that scared, pale-faced girl with Ben Mortimer’s blood soaked in her hands, running from the law. The one with the hollow eyes drowning in a bottomless pool of fear and sadness.

Those emotions had been replaced by something else. Now when I looked in my eyes, I could see something I hadn’t seen in them since I started this journey.

Belief.

A belief that I could win. A belief that I could somehow end Nathaniel Mortimer once and for all.

Outside, the sky filled with dark clouds rolling in fast from the east. I saw Samael lying back on the seat of the bike, relaxed with his arms folded across his chest like he was napping. As always, he was wearing jeans, motorcycle boots, and his leather jacket. And now with the new sunglasses wrapped around his blue eyes, he looked like a middle-aged James Dean.

I let out a sharp breath.

No matter how much I wanted to believe Samael was on the road to redemption, that he had broken whatever pact he had made with that demon on the hill, I couldn’t count on it. I couldn’t trust him. The only one I could trust was me. I had to rely on my own strength to get me through the storm.

I had to be my own hero.

Meet the Author, Jool s Sinclair… 

Jools Sinclair is the author of the 13 books in the Forty-Four series and co-author of Whiskey Rain: A Rose City Novella. She loves the outdoors, Komodo Dragon Coffee, and a good story. She usually lives in Bend, Oregon, but has embarked on a two-year road trip with Mr. Jools. She has one giant Lion Cat, who wakes her up each morning demanding food and pets.

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Links to Jool’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Jools-Sinclair/e/B004DLPUJI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Website:  http://www.joolssinclair.com/

Blog: http://joolssinclair44.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Jools-Sinclair-1576749882568286/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoolsSinclair

Contact: JoolsSinclair@msn.com

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Jools will give away an Amazon digital copy of FORTY-FOUR BOX SET, BOOKS 1-10, to one lucky reader who comments on today’s **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog  on Wednesday. Thank you, Jools, for sharing your stories with us

Don’t miss the chance to read these books!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Sophie’s Voice by Helen Hardt

 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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SOPHIE’S VOICE

Sex and the Season

BY HELEN HARDT

Blurb

Lady Sophie MacIntyre has the voice of an angel, but due to her timid nature, no one ever hears it. After losing a bet to her conniving sister, Sophie auditions for the new musicale at the Regal Theatre run by handsome actor Zachary Newland. Though distracted by Zach’s elegant masculinity and her own nerves, she sings well and earns a role in the production.

Zach is a confirmed bachelor, and his taste in women leans toward the glamorous and uninhibited…until he meets the demure Sophie. Her delicate soprano and understated beauty captivate him. She responds to his inappropriate kiss, but quickly dismisses the heat between them. She’s a lady of the peerage, after all, and not one to associate with a rake like him.

Zach, however, is not so easily dissuaded. He gets what he wants, and he intends to help Sophie find her true voice…in more ways than one.

SOPHIE’S VOICE

Sex and the Season

BY HELEN HARDT

Zach rushed out of the theatre and into the lobby. No sign of Lady Sophie. Looking out the door, he spied her getting into a hansom cab. The cabbie had taken her hand and was helping her into the coach.

He pushed the heavy glass door open and ran forward. “My lady, wait!”

Lady Sophie turned around, her face flushing a lovely raspberry color. She arched her eyebrows.

“If I may have a moment?” he said.

“I’m sorry. I am getting ready to leave for the Brighton estate, as you can see.”

“Yes, yes.” He turned to the cabbie. “You may go on. I’ll arrange for Lady Sophie’s transport in a few moments.”

“Yes, sir.” The cabbie tipped his hat.

“Mr. Newland”—Sophie cleared her throat gently—“what is this about? This is highly irregular, not to mention improper.”

“Yes, my lady, and I offer you my apologies. However, I could not let you leave without telling you how thoroughly I enjoyed your audition. I would like to offer you a leading role in the new musicale.”

“How are you able to offer me anything? You haven’t heard the other auditions yet.”

“I am familiar with all of the other actors and actresses who will be auditioning today. I know their voices. None of them can come close to you, my lady.”

Sophie fidgeted with her reticule. “I’m afraid, Mr. Newland, that I will be unable to accept a role in the production.”

What? Not able to accept? Did this woman have any idea of the talent she possessed?

Her pink lips trembled ever so slightly, and her cheeks deepened from raspberry to aubergine. Zach gulped, his pulse quickening. Had anyone kissed those lips? How they beckoned him. Sophie was of average height, coming up to his chest. He again eyed her dazzling blond hair swept up tight with only a few wispy curls free. How might it look flowing freely over her milky-white shoulders? Over her pert breasts?

“If you would be so kind, Mr. Newland…”

Zach stood, mouth agape. She had said something after his name, but he had heard no words. Only that voice, that voice from an angel, swirled around his head. He could not get enough of it. Still those rosy lips trembled, calling to him.

He couldn’t help himself. He gripped her shoulders, lowered his head, and pressed his lips to hers.

Meet the Author, Helen Hardt … 

Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

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Links to Helen’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.helenhardt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenHardt

Buy Links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1Y5rBwN
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1YOzQOZ
B&N Paperback: http://bit.ly/1JB7u4w
iBooks: http://apple.co/1N10cd9
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1WK1DfF
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1iLKo0h
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1Ms1gW6

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Helen will give away a signed paperback copy/US ONLY (International winner ~ ebook only) of SOPHIE’S VOICE to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Book Bench Blog. Thank you, Helen, for sharing your story with us

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

**Author Peek** Interview with Jools Sinclair

 

 **AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with

JOOLS SINCLAIR!!

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INTRODUCING…Jools Sinclair.

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.

Hi, Everybody! Jools Sinclair here, author of the Forty-Four series. I’m a full-time writer and usually live in Bend, Oregon, but am currently on a two-year road trip and have landed in Colorado for a bit. I have a passion for the outdoors (hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing), love to be entertained (books, movies+tv, music, soccer, opera) love to cook and eat (Bolognese lasagna, gnocchi in sherry cream sauce, tiramisu) and love hanging out with my awesome family. One of my favorite activities is standing next to a raging outdoor fire pit and watching the sun dip out of the sky as the blues and purples of twilight rush in. All this with a glass of Chianti in my hand, and I’m beyond happy.

1. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I write mysteries, in particular supernatural suspense. I write (and read) in this genre probably because I’ve loved the paranormal since I was a kid. Near Death Experiences, ghosts, psychics, people talking to the dead have always fascinated me. And I also particularly like strong women characters who deal with such things.

2. What’s your favorite beverage?

Well, I have two: Komodo Dragon coffee from Starbucks, and a decent red wine.

3. If you had to listen to one song over and over again for a whole day, what would it be?

Mazzy Star, Fade Into You.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Later drafts are always a struggle for me. The first draft is a pleasure and magical, and so is the second, and third…but not so much the fifth, sixth and seventh (usually this is when I’m bringing in my editors who are TOUGH and critical, but good). There are some amazing moments in this part, but overall it’s the hardest part for me and I don’t like it. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and discouraging. This is when the “I so suck at this” really starts to get loud in my mind and I start wondering if I should head back to teaching or car detailing. Okay, not really that last thing. But…fortunately I forget about all those negative thoughts when I’m very close to publishing. And lo and behold, I’m usually happy overall with the end product…so much so that I go ahead and start planning the next book.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why ?

Oh, this one is easy…Florence, Italy for sure. I love that city so much. There is so much history there, and so many amazing and beautiful things. The food, wine, art….I even love that musty, sometimes sewer-y smell that rises up and swirls around the ancient city in the humid air. I lived in Florence for a little while about twelve years ago and hope to do it again. It’s one of the reasons I love the movie Hannibal so much and watch it half a dozen times a year….those Florence scenes tug at my heart (I realize this is beyond creepy, but true).

6. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?

I love reading and read across all genres. I look for great stories, beautiful language, and interesting characters. For me, it doesn’t matter one bit if it’s packaged up in mystery, romance, horror, or SyFy…as long as those three criteria are met.

7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

I love this question, because I truly have no idea. I only know three things regarding where the “stuff” comes from. First, like Faulkner said, “I listen to the voices.” Second I make sure that I’m always adding to my creativity pot I’ve got stewing on the back burner (reading, hiking, paddling, watching, traveling, learning, doing, experiencing). And finally, I show up and sit in that damn chair for hours on end. It’s nice to get those initial ideas or breakthroughs on a plot I’ve been working on when I’m out on a walk, but the absolute best ideas find me when I’m sitting and working.

8. Tell me about your ideal reader .

Anybody who loves reading my books is ideal!

9. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?

Flying for sure. How cool would that be? No more airports! And the views!

10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

Forty-Four Book 13 just hit the stands. It’s the final book in the series and I’m both thrilled and sad that it’s been released. This particular story has taken me five years to write, and I love each of the characters so much. I’ll miss them! (Which is why some of the characters will continue on in various other books….)

Thanks so much, Karen! I LOVE your blog and so appreciate you inviting me over for a chat!

Jools

~~~~~

Be sure to come back to read more about Jools and her novel, FORTY-FOUR BOOK 13,  on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!

~~~

Links to Jool’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Jools-Sinclair/e/B004DLPUJI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Website:  http://www.joolssinclair.com/

Blog: http://joolssinclair44.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Jools-Sinclair-1576749882568286/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoolsSinclair

Contact: JoolsSinclair@msn.com

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Jools will give away an Amazon digital copy of FORTY-FOUR BOX SET BOOKS 1-10 to one lucky reader who comments on today’s **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog  on Wednesday. Thank you, Jools, for sharing your stories with us

Don’t miss the chance to read these books!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Tracee Lydia Garner

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with TRACEE LYDIA GARNER!

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, TRACEE LYDIA GARNER, and her favorite recipe for CHINESE NOODLE COOKIES!

~~~

ANCHORED HEARTS

BY TRACEE LYDIA GARNER

Blurb

Despite her prestigious professional role, Allontis Baxter’s private life is in shambles. She’s just broken up with her no-good boyfriend, her adopted mother figure is dying in the hospital and now she’s been turned down in an attempt to adopt a child of her own. Plus, Allontis’s old flame Cole Parker has returned to their hometown from New York City, causing her dilemmas to multiply as old feelings are rekindled. What’s a successful and motivated nonprofit career woman to do?

When a series of chance encounters at work fling her into the middle of a mysterious scandal, Allontis realizes she’s caught up in a dangerous game that could send her chaotic life up in flames. Struggling to keep the pieces of her own life together while protecting those she loves, Allontis is forced to confront the true meaning of family and to face some demons of her own.

ANCHORED HEARTS

BY TRACEE LYDIA GARNER

Excerpt

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

Tiring of his badgering and pointless interrogation, Allontis turned her back on him and faced the sink again. If only she could turn off the awareness she now felt with his close proximity, but there was no escaping the heat of his body next to hers. His sleeves had been neatly rolled back, and from her peripheral vision she could see his tanned skin surrounding her. Tiny hairs seemed to dance their way up his arms, and she tried to trace where the delicate hairs ended and the shirt began without turning her head, until her vision grew blurry. She closed her eyes to regain her balance, lest she sway and land in a heap right there at his feet again. Facing forward to look out the window, she reached to crank it open: the smell of him seemed to stifle her, not to mention the cooking pot roast he’d prepared, the vegetables sautéing on the range, and some kind of bread she guessed he’d made because there’d been a small dusting of flour on one of the countertops. She looked at his hands: large, light-tanned skin and long fingers, the nails at the end of each one perfectly straight, trim and clean. There was so much about him that she no longer knew, and it both saddened and amazed her. His culinary skills, for one, had made the place smell like it had when Momma G had been able to cook, a time that seemed so long ago. His arms around her, coupled with his cologne and the simple fact of his nearness, made her feel like a flower field was swirling around her head.

Allontis gave herself a little shake. She was getting irritated with herself for all the thoughts brought on by his proximity, her loss and his concern. If she could stay immune to him long enough, he would be gone soon enough.

If she wanted to survive his time in Virginia, she had to remember he was here for only a short while. Above all, she had to avoid intimate moments like this one.

“You know,” she finally managed, “it’s just a little too late for your concern. You have no right to ask me anything about my personal life. If you really cared, you would have been here, so because you weren’t…” Allontis inhaled and exhaled deeply, almost confused by her own words. “Because you were not here, I have no cause but to believe that you didn’t care even then, so please don’t pretend you care now. I just…I wouldn’t believe it. I can’t.”

With that, she forced her way out of his arms and with hands full of dripping cut stems, she moved to the trash can where she dumped them. She peeled the wet leaves from her palms, and slapping her hands against each other as if done with that, she ignored his look of hurt befuddlement and moved on to the other items she’d bought. She took out the two cakes and fussed with the vase on the table, turning it back and forth, until she found the right look and because she was want of anything else to do with herself.

“They’re pretty,” she heard Cole say over her shoulder, and instantly some of the tension she felt ebbed away.

“Thank you,” she returned, clearing her throat. “Momma G loved fresh flowers and all her house plants. I don’t know if I’ll remember to water them—they’ll probably all die in my care.” She didn’t want Cole to know that her eyes had filled with tears, so she wiped at them hastily but it was too late.

“I’m sorry I snapped at you,” she said.

“I’m sorry I pried.” He moved over to her gently. He didn’t wait for an invitation; he simply pulled her into his arms and squeezed her tight.

Burying her face in his shoulder, Allontis let go. She couldn’t believe they were having this like-hate situation, and she still couldn’t believe he was there consoling her at all. A part of her had yearned for this for some time, and that part said to take it for however long it lasted.

After several moments, she whispered, “I can’t believe she’s gone.” She was embarrassed that she broke down in front of him, and when she tried to get out of his embrace, this time with less effort, he wouldn’t let her go. She didn’t want to, but she clung to him because he was strong and solid and because he was Cole and because he was finally, finally there. Cole just stood there, solid as a rock.

The oven timer pierced the quietness, beeping merrily three times, but he didn’t make a move. Drinking in the feel of Allontis in his arms, so much richer than the brief, accidental embrace they’d had that morning, Cole tried to concentrate, to think of something, but the only thing that came to mind was this woman whom he’d left behind years ago, a love he thought would eventually die, and the mess made by his bother, which he had yet to figure out. What remained was the glimmering possibility of a second chance, sadly tempered by the time that separated them. If only one kiss could close the distance and bridge the gap, but things were so different. They were different, or so he kept telling himself. Cole concentrated on holding her tight until she was done crying.

“Thank you. Thank you. I’m fine,” she said, sniffing, as if she were speaking to a distant friend who had passed her a tissue and not Cole, someone who had known her on a personal level for so long. “No use pretending you’ll be sticking around. Can’t get caught up in that,” she said with a false air of levity. “I mean…” Allontis almost laughed because she didn’t want to cry any longer. “Oh, you’ll be gone in a matter of days, and this time I refuse to let you break my heart,” she said quietly.

“Is that what I did to you?”

“Yes,” she said, instantly sorry she had let him know at all. Again, she was mad at herself.

“I’m sorry.”

Allontis hadn’t been prepared for an apology to leave his lips so readily. She nodded, embarrassed, and tried to figure him out simply by looking into his eyes.

About Author Tracee Lydia Garner …

I am Tracee Lydia Garner, a best-selling and award-winning author. I love speaking and teaching about ALL things writing and event planning for authors and artists.  Eons ago, I won the BET First Time Writer’s Contest for my story entitled Family Affairs which appeared in the All That & Then Some anthology. I’ve written a total of five books that include Come What May, The One Who Holds My Heart and Love Unchosen and last year released Anchored Hearts. I work full time in the nonprofit sector for human services and many of my stories are about real women, who encounter adversity and manage to overcome their struggles and maintain their integrity. The heroines are also often regular super women types that I write inspirational romanitc suspense. In addition to writing on the side, working full time, I teach night classes on writing and small business PR and Promotion courses at the local community college level. I enjoy reading of course, marketing, and I shopping. My favorite authors include Donna Hill, Irene Hannon, Julie Lessman and Brenda Jackson.

~~~

Links to Tracee’s Website, Books, & Social Media:

Get a copy of Anchored Hearts, here:

http://amzn.to/1K9CTxd

Visit  me at Teeegarner.com

E-mail me: Teegarner@aol.com

Follow me: @Teegarner

I hope you enjoy the recipe Tracee is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 244 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 Tracee: I feature a LOT of children in my books and for my real job as a social worker, every Christmas (almost) I make Chinese Noodle Cookies (also called Chow Mein Noodle Cookies or Butterscotch Crunch or Birdnests or Haystacks). They are so yummy and you would never, ever think Chow Mein Noodles (uncooked) could work for a cookie.

Chinese Noodle Cookies

(No Baking Required!)

2 cups Butterscotch chips

4 cups Mini Marshmallows

1 bag Chow Mein Noodles

Note: I always use the blue bag or 2 canisters of La Choy Chow Mein Noodles.

Melt butterscotch chips in a food safe dish – you can do this over a double broiler or in the microwave. Note that you do not have to melt the chips completely -soft or creamy is fine.

Melt marshmallows in the microwave -in microwave safe dish – soft is fine for these too.

Combine chips and marshmallows with the Chow Mein noodles and toss with a spoon.

Use a spoon to stir the noodles and chips/marshmallows until all the noodles are coated – toss gently as not to break up the noodles.

You can use your fingers (are best) to form small drop cookies. The mixture will be cool enough to handle, but sticky from the marshmallows.

Drop cookie size portions onto parchment paper.

Let harden or put in the fridge for 20- 30 minutes (so you can eat them sooner).

1 bag makes about 20-25 cookies.

Variations:

Make these with any kind of baking chips (or morsels) including chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate or salty caramel (candy melts).

Use Red Hots candy dots or green Twizzlers candy strips if you want and form the cookies into cute Christmas Wreaths for a holiday look.

Use pink chocolate candy melts, melt and drizzle for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.

The cookies should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

Note: This is not Tracee’s original recipe.

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Tracee will give away a small Target Valentine’s Day tote bag (US ONLY) to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Book Bench Blog. Thank you, Tracee, for sharing your story with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Earning a Ring by Kristina Mathews

 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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EARNING A RING

More Than a Game #4

BY KRISTINA MATHEWS

Blurb

For Rachel Parker, covering the San Francisco Goliaths is the perfect opportunity to launch her career as a serious reporter. But she didn’t bargain on Bryce Baxter, the team’s star shortstop, tempting her more non-professional aspirations. After tearing up the base paths with him, she finds herself with a little problem, and Bryce might be the only man who can save the game.

Bryce Baxter should be living the dream. His team just won the World Series and he just signed the multi-year contract of his career. But his field of dreams has been overtaken by a fiery redheaded reporter, who’s bearing a news flash that will change both of their lives forever…

EARNING A RING

More Than a Game #4

BY KRISTINA MATHEWS

Bryce Baxter sat alone in the San Francisco Goliaths’ clubhouse. He didn’t want to go home and watch the replays of tonight’s game. There was enough of that going on in his head. He’d blown the game. How many times had he made that play since he first picked up a baseball at the age of five? A thousand? Ten thousand? Probably more. Not tonight. Tonight it was as if he’d forgotten everything he knew about the game. What should have been an easy double play ended up being the game-winning run.

The loss put his team even farther behind in their division going into the second month of the season and had reporters questioning the Goliaths’ chances of repeating a World Series run. Some were even questioning the team’s decision to re-sign Baxter to the big contract extension. The biggest one he’d ever inked. So naturally, he was having his worst start to the season ever. He couldn’t hit. Couldn’t draw a walk to save his life. And when he struck out, he did it in spectacular fashion.

Last November he’d been king of the world. San Francisco’s biggest hero since Willie Mays. As World Series MVP, he’d been awarded a brand new Corvette. His face had been on the cover of magazines. He’d made the talk show rounds. Met the President. Women had lined up outside his door. And he’d had his choice of endorsement deals, including a line of men’s hair care products. Now, if his game didn’t improve, his agent would be lucky to get him a spot peddling adult diapers.

Reluctantly, he headed toward the parking lot.

“Hey, Bryce, you got a minute?” He recognized the voice of the woman standing beside his car. A month ago, he would have been happy to see her. Professionally, personally, a little bit of both. But not now.

“Look, Rachel, I’m not giving any more interviews tonight.” He was so down, all he wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed. Alone.

“I’m not here for an interview.” She would have waited in the clubhouse if she were. He knew that. Rachel Parker was a professional, the in-game reporter for Bay Area Sports Network. “Can we go somewhere? Somewhere private?”

“I’m not giving that tonight either.” He waited for his body to protest, recalling the dozen or so encounters with the sexy journalist. She’d been hot. Real hot. Hot enough for him to forget his rule of one and done. They’d been hooking up off the record since before spring training of last season.

“Look, I really do need to talk to you.” She seemed a little nervous, not her usual confident, perky, and always upbeat self who was part bubbly cheerleader, part hard-hitting reporter. She was still hot. But instead of smoking, she was…smoldering. His body stirred. Enough for him to think that maybe spending the next several hours in bed might not be such a bad idea.

But it probably wasn’t a good idea either.

The last time they’d hooked up had been intense. Almost too intense. Too real. But maybe he’d just been riding the high of signing his ridiculous contract. Or maybe he’d felt the pressure of the deal and had transferred it to his personal life. Something he could control.

“You know, I think maybe we should take a step back.” He raked a hand through his hair, still damp from his long shower after the game. “I’m not good for anyone right now.”

Rachel gave him a weird look, almost as if her eyes slipped out of focus. Her face drained of color. She turned and stumbled toward his car, bracing herself against the front fender. Then she threw up on the hood of his Corvette.

“Are you okay?” He took a step toward her.

“No, I’m not okay.” She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I’m pregnant.”

Meet the Author, Kristina Mathews … 

Kristina Mathews doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn’t until she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she’s remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, parent club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books.

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants.

~~~

Links to Kristina’s website, blog, books, etc.

Link to Follow Tour:

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/10/earning-ring-more-than-game-4-by.html

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25430501-earning-a-ring?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/124028-more-than-a-game

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Author Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Kiss Me Before I Die and The Hunter by Rena Marks

 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!

 ~~

KISS ME BEFORE I DIE

BY RENA MARKS

Blurb

When an experiment goes wrong, Afton is sent to release the rage built up in her system by a desire-enhancing drug. Once she finds Ethan, head of the vampires, the drug kicks in. His blood calls to her quicker than she can run. What a frustrating predicament, to be trained to extinguish vampires when the king looks like Ethan.

THE HUNTER

Stargazer Series Book 1

BY RENA MARKS

Blurb

When Kele Frey wakes up, she is completely naked. A thin sheet covers her. She had remembered being stabbed, but the wound at her side is now covered by a thin scar. A crest. And a toe tag marks her foot.

Dante Paris resurrected Kele. He’d asked her permission, just before she took her final breath. But she had no idea what her permission warranted.

To defy death. And to be his forever.

THE HUNTER

Stargazer Series Book 1

BY RENA MARKS

EXCERPT

The front door chimed.

“Customers!” Don yelled.

When Kele heard Don’s voice, she hurried out the back. She had to cross the parking lot to get to her truck. The cheap old jerk never let the servers park near the building. And she had to rush, before he started bellowing. If she had any qualms that Tina couldn’t handle it, she’d stay. But she was tired. And Don was just being vindictive.

Dammit, she’d forgotten her purse inside. Good thing she had her keys in her apron pocket. She took a deep breath. If she went back inside for it, Don would make her work past her shift. Her purse should be safe overnight. It was locked in her locker, and she had to be back here for the morning shift anyway. She could get away with it for one night.

And she really wanted to get home to share the whole astounding story with Bay.

She fantasized about Dante as she walked out to her old pickup truck.

“Here, kitty-kitty.”

Kele whirled around to face the truckers from her table earlier.

“What do you want?” she snapped.

The men moved in and surrounded her. Adrenaline surged through her arms and legs, making them tingle. She quickly took a look around. It was dark out, and the lighting was dim. Most of the streetlamps were in the front. The signs from the diner were lit, but they didn’t reach all the way to the back parking lot.

“We just wanna talk. You’re a pretty lil thing.”

The smell of stale booze was strong. They weren’t even close and the sour smell made her wrinkle her nose. They must have drank more since leaving the diner. Who knows what they would pull while drunk? Her heart pounded, and her palms ached. She unclenched her fists and wondered if she could outrun them.

“Get out of here before I call the cops,” Kele threatened.

She didn’t even have her cell phone. It was in her purse. She should have turned around and gone back inside for it.

But a nondescript, black SUV pulled up, the tires squealing as the car doors opened.

“Leave the female alone.”

From the vehicle stepped Dante and his men. He had removed his sunglasses.

“Aww, we weren’t gonna hurt her,” one of the truckers said. “We was just fooling around.”

“I know what you were going to do,” Dante said.

Before she knew it, the older man grabbed her, holding her against him. His hot breath blasted the back of her head. Something sharp pressed painfully into her side.

Everyone froze. Kele’s heart continued to pound. Could it thump hard enough to explode?

“Don’t hurt her,” Dante said. “Relax. We can all turn around and go home. We’ll forget anything happened here.”

“You have no business sticking your nose in ours! Move on your way, or the girl gits cut.”

“You harm her, and we won’t let any of you live.” Dante’s voice was cold, unremorseful. Not at all like the man she’d flirted with in the diner.

Kele screamed when a razor-sharp pain hit her side. It stung like fire before wetness hit, and then it just burned. She slowly exhaled as her knees weakened. She sank, in slow motion, to her knees.

The scene around her erupted into chaos. The six men attacked the drunks. The last image Kele had was of Dante, who rushed toward her. One fist shot out and connected with the drunk who held her. Someone else pulled the old trucker away from her, and suddenly she was free.

In one smooth move, Dante grabbed Kele as she sank slowly to the ground. She raised her hand, twisting it into his shirt, afraid to let him go.

“Easy, sweetness,” he said. “Relax. We’re going to take care of you.”

“I’m scared,” Kele said.

“I’m here,” Dante said.

“How is it?” one of the men asked.

“There’s a lot of blood.”

“Someone shine a light.”

Kele gasped. One of the men raised his hands. An inhuman glow shined from his palms, as clear as a flashlight.

“What?” she gasped.

“We’re Stargazers,” Dante said. “Don’t worry. We’ve got you. We won’t hurt you, Kele.”

So these were the aliens from the news? And she’d fallen for one? How much more damage the truckers would have caused if they’d have known.

“Dante,” one of the men said. “The entry is jagged. The bastard twisted the blade.”

“He pulled it in and out,” Kele said.

Something was wrong with her voice, her breathing. She wheezed.

“Kele, this is serious. But I want you to stay calm. We’ve got this, we’re not going to let anything happen to you.”

But Kele felt the gravity of the situation. The six men, who’d been laughing and joking in the diner, were eerily silent. And every beat of her heart caused her to weaken, as if her life leaked away on each beat.

“No,” she whispered. “It’s too late. You guys leave before you take the blame. Before you get exposed. You know how it is.”

The public would jump to accuse them, not the truckers.

“You’re worried about us?” One of the men snorted.

“People are jealous of you. That causes fear. Prejudice,” she wheezed.

But Kele was slipping fast.

“Kele,” Dante said gently. “Kele, open your eyes. I need you to understand something, sweetness.”

It took effort, but she opened her eyes. Though she couldn’t see much anymore, just the dim image of the handsome man before her. Everything else tunneled into swirls of darkness.

“Kele, do you trust me?”

His eyes were lavender. Lavender. A shade so pretty, it glowed. Her vision must be playing tricks on her.

She knew, without a doubt, she wanted to get to know this man. Her heart broke when she realized she couldn’t.

“It’s too late,” she whispered.

“No, sweetness. It’s not. Hurry up, make a choice. Do you want to be with me or not?”

Her last word exhaled with her last breath. “Yes.”

And then she was completely still, her eyes staring ahead lifelessly.

Meet the Author, Rena Marks … 

Rena Marks is the only author who didn’t start writing at the tender age of five. Instead, it was summer of 2006 when she decided to write.

An avid reader all her life, one day she was twiddling her thumbs while waiting for her favorite releases. She decided, “I can do this.” She opened her laptop, clicked on Word, and typed away. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that easy.

Using the internet to learn all she could about writing, she noticed a comment on the blog of urban fantasy writer Kim Harrison.

“How does one begin writing books?”

“Join an organization like Romance Writers of America,” Harrison responded.

It was the best advice she’d ever received.

While she researched writer’s groups, she began to pen her first two novels, Forgotten Kisses (a vampire/werewolf genre she later discovered was paranormal) and Victoria’s Secret to a Happy Divorce (comedy).

She was surprised to find there were more genres in the romance category, as the answers from the other writers ranged from romantic suspense to erotic romance. Also surprising was to find most authors began writing before they could even speak, often penning novels while still in grade school.

With the attitude of better-late-than-never, she took off with a bang, completing four novels and publishing two of the four with Ellora’s Cave by January of 2007. She recently had her book rights reverted and is ready to begin a new self-publishing career.

Her favorite pasttime is writing while gazing at the full moon for inspiration.

~~~

Links to Rena’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Rena-Marks/e/B0038J24NQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1453692990&sr=8-4

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Rena-Marks-701102223366677/

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Rena will give away an e-book copy of KISS ME BEFORE I DIE or THE HUNTER (1st in the Stargazer Series) ~ winner’s choice ~ to a lucky reader who comments with WHICH STORY IS PREFERRED AND WHY on today’s **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog  on Wednesday. Thank you, Rena, for sharing your stories with us

Don’t miss the chance to read these books!