Karen Docter's Blog, page 233

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Sins Of The Warrior by Linda Poitevin

 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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SINS OF THE WARRIOR

Grigori Legacy Book Four

BY LINDA POITEVIN

Blurb

Heaven and Hell are at war

The clock is ticking

Homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis’s niece is missing and pregnant with Lucifer’s child, her sister has descended into madness, and the human race has begun a relentless spiral toward self-destruction that Alex is desperate to stop. Now Michael, the Archangel she holds responsible for Earth’s plight, has returned—and he’s demanding her help to track a missing god.

Heaven is losing

Fighting for the very survival of his own realm—and that of humanity—Michael’s only chance to defeat Hell lies in returning Heaven’s long-lost daughter to her throne before it’s too late. But first he’ll have to convince Alex to help him—and to keep her out of Seth’s clutches long enough for her to do so.

There can be no right choices

In a desperate bid to save both their worlds, Alex and Michael must put aside their animosity and find a way to work together in the face of increasingly impossible decisions…and unimaginable sacrifices.

“An epic battle story of good and evil” —Fresh Fiction

A kick ass storyline that keeps on moving” —Heroes and Heartbreakers

SINS OF THE WARRIOR

Grigori Legacy Book Four

BY LINDA POITEVIN

Excerpt

“You need to eat.”

Alex gave a little start at Michael’s gruff words, then looked down at the pile of crumbs—formerly an uneaten slice of toast—on her plate. She pushed away the plate and her cold coffee, then drew the newspaper toward her.

Death toll climbs, its headline blared. More news about Slavutych and the man-made disaster engineered by Lang and his cronies, all because they wouldn’t listen to her. Didn’t want to hear.

Michael cleared his throat.

“I’ll have something later,” she said.

“Alex—”

“I forgot to ask why Bethiel was here last night.” She pushed the newspaper away again. “Does he have a lead on Nina?”

Michael regarded her in tight-lipped silence from his post in the living room. Then he shook his head. “Not your niece. Mittron. He’s heard rumors in Hell that the former Highest might be overseeing the care of the Nephilim children.”

The Fallen…and Mittron? Her gaze strayed back to the newspaper headline. Of course. She should have thought of that herself. It made sense, him aligning with Seth, because where else would he go? It also made sense that his would be the mind behind the New Children of God, and the hundreds of people flocking to help raise Lucifer’s Nephilim army. After engineering the Apocalypse and plunging the world into Armageddon, he’d more than proved his capacity for such machinations.

And Bethiel could stop him from doing further damage.

But if she told Bethiel, he would stop looking for Nina.

The coffee machine gurgled. Alex flexed cramped fingers, then leaned her elbows on the counter and cradled her head in her hands. Christ, she was tired of making impossible decisions. Her life vs. the world’s continued existence; Nina vs. the hundreds stupid enough to answer the call to Pripyat. Was there anything she wouldn’t have to sacrifice?

“I know about Pripyat.” Michael’s voice at her elbow made her jump again.

A headache born from lack of sleep pressed against the back of her eyes. Her fingertips traced an endless circle on the cool, granite countertop as she struggled to separate herself from the words she had to speak. From their impact.

“You’ll have to tell Bethiel,” she said.

How much would she have to sacrifice?

Everything.

“Not yet,” said Michael.

Her gaze flashed back to him. “But—”

“Your niece has only a few days left. Let him continue looking for her.”

She swallowed a lump in her throat. “Thank you, but no. Not if it means more people will die.”

“More will die,” Michael said, “but we can’t let the Fallen know we’ve found the Nephilim. Not until we have Emmanuelle.”

Relief swamped Alex. Guilt rushed in after it. Bethiel would continue looking for Nina. Countless others would die because of that. And her only consolation in any of it was that, for once, the decision wasn’t hers.

It was Michael’s.

She tried to find words to thank him, but they eluded her. She nodded and reached again for the newspaper. At that instant, the condo’s front door burst open, and her hand slammed against the plate instead, sending it flying in a spray of toast crumbs as Henderson strode in, Riley hot on his heels.

The plate hit the floor and shattered.

“We’ve found her,” Henderson said. “We’ve found Emmanuelle.”

About the Author, Linda Poitevin…

Linda Poitevin is the author of both contemporary romance and dark urban fantasy–something her husband refers to as her light and dark sides. In her other-than-writing life, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, and food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens). She’s also the walker of a giant dog and minion to the world’s cutest itty bitty kitty, too.

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

Website

Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Sin On The Strip by Lucy Farago

 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!

 ~~

SIN ON THE STRIP

BY LUCY FARAGO

Blurb

What happens in Las Vegas always burns bright, especially after hours. In this sizzling new series, the city’s 24/7 glitz hides one woman’s darkest nightmares—and one investigator’s seductive secrets…

Control is everything to gorgeous Maggie Anderson. Her exclusive club gives abused and troubled women a refuge from Vegas’s merciless streets—and helps her reclaim her shattered sense of freedom. But now someone is brutally murdering those she fights so hard to save. And baring her deepest fears to the one man who insists on protecting her could be the one move she won’t survive…

Elite private investigator Christian Beck knows this particular serial killer’s MO—and his own wrenching failure to find him—all too well. But staying two steps ahead of Maggie’s determination to uncover the truth pushes his well-honed skills past the limit—and ignites his most naked instincts. Now every clue is a lie, each irresistible desire a lethal trap. And the closer he and Maggie get, their shattering secrets will either save them—or torch their lives to glittering ash…

SIN ON THE STRIP

BY LUCY FARAGO

Excerpt

Cooper finished the introductions. “This is Christian Beck, an acquaintance of the department.”

“Ma’am.” Christian offered his hand. She hesitated a moment before taking it. She had a firm grip for a woman. Her nails were manicured and polished clear. They weren’t the gaudy talons he’d imagined. He mentally kicked himself for making a rookie mistake—never fall victim to the expected. “I’d like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind?” He kept his tone even, friendly.

“Are you a detective?” she asked.

“No, ma’am, private investigator.” The muscles in his back twitched, his shirt beginning to cling to his damp spine. Noticing she still blocked her face from the sun, he said, “Why don’t we go somewhere else, less bright?” Marring that delicate skin with a sunburn would be a sin.

“I don’t talk to PIs.” She glared at Cooper, a spark of panic in her eyes. “Horace?”

“I won’t keep you long,” Christian offered, curious what had made her suddenly nervous. Like it or not, he needed her cooperation to find the missing pieces. Regardless of what the feds thought, this was the killer he’d spent his screwed-up childhood wishing dead, and most of his career trying to make sure that happened. Yes, twenty-five years was a long time, and professionally he had to admit there was a slight chance he was wrong. But his gut told him the MOs were too alike to be coincidental. Something had put this scum on hiatus, but he was back.

“Don’t worry,” the lieutenant replied, squeezing her hand. “It’s not what you think.”

What exactly had gotten her panties all knotted up?

“He works for ICU,” explained Cooper. “Look, let’s all go to the coffee shop down the street.”

The public knew Ryan Sheppard’s Investigative Collection Unit as an elite organization for hire for those with money. Sheppard’s private investigators were some of the best in the country, if not the world. The public also knew Sheppard as an entrepreneur and play- boy jet setter. What they didn’t know could fill a wing in the New York Public Library.

She didn’t look happy but walked with Cooper to her car.

“Well, well,” he muttered. Why did it surprise him to find out Pollyanna drove an Alfa Romeo Deutto? It seemed running a strip club paid well. Was there more behind Ms. Anderson and Heart’s Desire than a run-of-the-mill club? Glancing over at the sweet red sports car, he figured much, much more.



About the Author, Lucy Farago…

Lucy Farago knows there is nothing like a happy sigh at the end of a good book. With the encouragement of her loving husband, she wrote her first manuscript. An unpublished historical, it sits in a file on her computer, there to remind her how much fun she had learning the craft and becoming part of an industry whose books make you believe anything is possible. A big fan of Agatha Christie, she set out to write her first romantic suspense novel. Thrilled to be a published author, Lucy also teaches yoga, enjoys cooking, and saying what other people are thinking. In her fantasy world, her beautiful Siberian husky, Loki, doesn’t shed and her three kids clean up after themselves. Alas, that fantasy will never see fruition.

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

Website: http://www.lucyfarago.com/

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sin-Strip-Women-Vegas-Book-ebook/dp/B00RRT31Y4/

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sin-on-the-strip/id979049775?mt=11

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Lucy_Farago_Sin_on_the_Strip?id=YBxjBgAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/sin-on-the-strip

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sin-on-the-strip-lucy-farago/1120999162?ean=9781616508173

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 Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Thanks, Lucy, for sharing your story with us!

**Author Peek** Interview with Linda Poitevin

 

**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with

LINDA POITEVIN!!

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INTRODUCING….LINDA POITEVIN!

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.

Greetings, everyone! And thank you so very much for hosting me here today, Karen! It’s a pleasure to be back. I’m Linda Poitevin, and I hail from Canada’s capital city of Ottawa (or at least, near there  ). I’ve published six novels so far, and I’m working hard at making novel-writing my full-time work. I’ve actually been a stay-at-home mom for 24 years, but as my youngest is now 21 and getting ready to leave the nest, I won’t be able to claim that status for much longer *sigh*. I do some corporate writing on the side, and am hugely blessed with a husband who is willing to support me in my dream (I think believes in my writing more than I do some days, to be honest!). In my spare time, I garden, take long walks in the woods with Giant Dog, give belly rubs to the Itty Bitty Kitty, and do reams of crochet while watching television (two birds, one stone, right?).

1. How did you get started writing?

I’ve always loved words. I wrote poems all through elementary and high school, started writing romance stories after reading my first Harlequin at the age of 12, and even wrote fanfic (that will never see the light of day!) at times (I do love a brooding Batman, don’t you?). For me, writing provides the same kind of escape that reading does…except I get to be in control of the story.

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

I write both dark urban fantasy and contemporary romance. I tell people it’s because I have a dark side and a light side, lol! In all seriousness, however, I think it’s because I enjoy such a wide range of books myself: suspense, thrillers, romances, dystopians, sci-fi, fantasy, even some horror.

3.  What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

At one time, the car was my very best place for running scenes through my head or coming up with new stories. Probably because I had three kids and that was the only time I had peace and quiet.  These days, I do more plotting and story-thinking on my walks with Giant Dog, and I tend to be more focused on the mundane while driving.

4.  What is your favorite part of writing?

Believe it or not, the editing stage. I love taking the rough draft and massaging it into a tight, polished story.

5.  What is your least favorite part of writing?

The halfway to two-thirds mark of the first draft. That’s where it feels like the entire story is falling apart, and I begin to question (1) the entire storyline, (2) my ability to write, and (3) my sanity for wanting to do so. Fortunately, I’ve learned this is just a part of my process, and I’m getting better at working through it!

6.  Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?

No way. I couldn’t have asked for better parents than the ones I had, and I can’t imagine having grown up with anyone else.

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

Everywhere. Movies, television, books, overheard conversations in coffee shops, watching people on the street…just about anything can spark the ‘what if’ question that heralds the beginning of a story.

8.  Tell me about your ideal reader.

For the Grigori Legacy series, it would be someone who loves television series such as Supernatural—if you like the brooding Castiel-type, you’re going to love the Archangel Michael!    

9.  What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.

Mornings work best for me creatively, so I start by feeding the cats, walking the dog, making coffee and breakfast, and then checking social media/email while the coffee kicks in. By 7:30 a.m., I’m ready to go, and I’ll write until lunchtime. Unless I’m procrastinating, of course, but I’m getting better at managing that…sometimes…ish.

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

Sins of the Warrior came out September 18th. It’s the fourth and final book in the Grigori Legacy series, and it winds up the story of our very kick-ass heroine, Alexandra Jarvis, who has been caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. It’s available both as an e-book and in print. You can find links for it and all my other books on my website.

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Be sure to come back to read more about LINDA and SINS OF THE WARRIOR, Grigori Legacy Series, Book Four,  on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!

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

Website

Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Eileen Dreyer

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with Eileen Dreyer w/a Kathleen Korbel!

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, Eileen Dreyer, and her favorite recipe for CRAWFISH ÉTOUFFÉE!

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?

Korel Classics: The Humorous Collection

B Y EILEEN DREYER w/a KATHLEEN KORBEL

Blurb

Pete Cooper and Brooke Ferguson were once childhood friends who spent evenings watching TV with Pete’s Aunt Mamie.

Now Pete is a famous cable news anchor who earned his stripes in war zones, and Brooke watches Pete on the same old TV in the same small town.

Then Aunt Mamie passes away, and everything changes.

When Pete and Brooke set out on a road trip to fulfill Mamie’s last wishes, they discover more than tornadoes, Hell’s Angels, New Orleans Jazz Funerals, and one unique antebellum mansion. They find they might just be falling in love.

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?

Korel Classics: The Humorous Collection

B Y EILEEN DREYER w/a KATHLEEN KORBEL

EXCERPT

As she solemnly processed down Bourbon Street next to Pete, Brooke could see the lush foliage of courtyards beyond plain facades and hear the chatter of water from hidden fountains tucked away behind. She could hear the ever-present wail of guitars and clarinets and smell the river and the filé of gumbo. A dozen different languages floated across the narrow streets, and a hundred different pitches of laughter danced on the heavy air like helium balloons. The city barely paused as the funeral procession passed. The Vieux Carre was honoring death by celebrating life.

Clad in gaudy satin cutaway coats, their fans attached to their belts, their top hats cocked just so, the Second Chance Brass Band progressed in slow, matched step down the cobbles, a mournful dirge floating from their gleaming brass instruments. Following behind in perfect rhythm stepped the official mourners, faces downcast, gaily decorated parasols swaying gently above, white-gloved sympathy for the bereaved.

And then, from one step to the next, from somewhere inside a single note, they swung from solemn grief straight into joy. From dirge into anthem, bass drum-pounded, trumpet-throated celebration that carried with it life and laughter and joy.   The Saints Go Marching In ricocheted off the old buildings and incited smiles from the sidewalk audiences. Children danced along with old men, and strangers ran from shop entrances and restaurants to join the impromptu parade, purloined napkins waving above their heads. And right in their midst, Pete and Brooke and Alex and Rene danced along, giving Mamie the tribute she really deserved. Because if anyone would have understood why these old men danced down a hot street in New Orleans swinging their parasols and clapping their hands and prizing miracles from battered old instruments, it would have been Mamie.

About the author…Eileen Dreyer w/a Kathleen Korbel.

New York Times bestselling, RWA Hall of Fame author Eileen Dreyer has published 31 romance novels in most genres, 8 medical­forensic suspenses, and 10 short stories.

2015 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her foray into historical romance, the Drake’s Rakes series, which Eileen labels as Regency Romantic Adventure that follows a group of Regency aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. She is also working on her first non­fiction book, TRAVELS WITH DAVE, about a journey she’s been taking with a friend’s ashes.

A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.

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

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Website

Facebook

Twitter

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 219 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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CRAWFISH ÉTOUFFÉE

[Serves 4]

8 pounds fresh crawfish, washed

8 tablespoons butter

6 medium onions, chopped

½ cup celery, chopped

½ teaspoon tomato paste

½ cup water

½ teaspoon corn starch

Salt, Pepper, and cayenne to taste

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons parsley, minced

Place crawfish in large container of boiling water. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain, remove heads, peel and devein. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add onions, celery and tomato paste. Cook until tender. Add crawfish tails. In a small bowl, combine water and corn starch. Stir into onion mixture, stirring constantly. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes. Add onion tops and parsley. Serve over rice or pasta.

From New Orleans Cookin’ in the Big Easy

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**:  Eileen is giving away a ebook copy of her novel ISN’T IT ROMANTIC to a reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Eileen, for sharing your story with us!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Love in the Vineyard by Pamela Aares

 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 IN THE VINEYARD

Tavonesi Series #7

BY PAMELA AARES

Blurb

From USA Today bestselling author Pamela Aares comes Love in the Vineyard, the seventh book in the Tavonesi family series featuring passion, mystery, and well-won love!

A one-night stand brought Natasha Raley the greatest gift of her life—her son. She wants to give him a better life than she had, but a gambling bet lands both of them in a homeless shelter. When the shelter director gives her a ticket to a masquerade ball, Natasha finds herself dancing with the most intriguing and mysterious man she’s ever met.

Adrian Tavonesi is creating a paradise on earth in Sonoma California, determined to be worthy of his vast fortune by making the world a better place. Convinced women only like him for his money and his status, he invents an anonymous relationship with the beautiful Natasha to create a dream world for both of them.

As passion flares into an all-consuming affair, the lies Adrian and Natasha have told each other threaten to ruin everything. Adrian is kind, generous, and sincere—Natasha knows he would be the ideal father for her son. But will her past and the devastating gamble she once made destroy her new world? Or will betting on the truth this time lead to the perfect, ever-lasting love?

LOVE IN THE VINEYARD

Tavonesi Series #7

BY PAMELA AARES

Excerpt

“Tasha, I’d like to take you somewhere. Somewhere special to me. I think you’d love this place I have in mind.”

She froze in place. Her breath caught, and she must’ve stiffened, for he stepped away from her as if to give her breathing room. As if to make her feel safe.

“Not now. I mean on a date. To the Asian Botanical Gardens.” He tilted his head and his eyes glittered in the glow shed by hundreds of white lights strung in the nearby trees. “But perhaps you’ve already visited?”

She’d love to visit a botanical garden, Asian, American or any kind. She hadn’t known there was such a place nearby. But she wasn’t ready to open herself to all that an outing with him would likely entail. Not yet. Maybe never would be if the trauma counselor she’d met with before Tyler’s birth was right. And it wasn’t just that she wasn’t ready. She would never be in the league that this man played in. She shouldn’t even be here with him now. He was in his element. She certainly wasn’t.

“I’m not dating right now,” she said, marshaling her voice and willing it not to hitch with the tension building in her chest. “I’m taking a break.”

Right. A six-year break. Ten, if she were to be honest. The guy she’d dated three times six years ago didn’t really count.

Behind the mask, Dumas’s eyes narrowed.

“Shall we wager? Red, you agree to go on a date with me. Black, no date. I prefer roulette unless you prefer dice?”

He couldn’t know the terror his easy offer of a bet unleashed in her.

“No.” She said the word louder than she’d intended, and several of the people around them looked up. “I mean, thank you, but no,” she said softly. “I don’t gamble.”

Not anymore. She’d never wager on anything, not ever again.

A series of chimes rang out from inside the tent.

“It’s almost time for the unmasking,” he said. “Let’s go in. I’ve a keen interest in the auction that will follow.”

“I have to go.”

“But it’s ten minutes to midnight. At least stay for the unmasking.”

“I prefer my anonymity,” she said honestly.

“Oddly, I’m enjoying mine as well. We could go on an anonymous date. To the botanical gardens—they’re close by in Kenwood. We can let the plants do the talking.”

Another set of chimes rang out from the tent.

“At least give me your number so I can call you.”

“I don’t have a pen.”

“I do.” He pulled an expensive pen from his pocket.

“No paper,” she said, as if that would protect her. Oddly enough, she wanted to give him her number. But the thought of trying to write down the numbers chilled her blood.

“Who needs paper?” He rolled up the lace cuff of his costume and flattened his palm. Then he grinned. “Better yet…” He pulled out his phone, swiped at it and then tapped in a code. Then he held it out to her.

She waved her hand, signaling for him to type in the number.

Slowly she repeated the carefully memorized numbers. She was never certain if it was forty-seven or seventy-four, but she took a guess. She’d bought the disposable cellphone at the drugstore and intended to use it only in case of an emergency involving Tyler. Just repeating her own phone number was a sort of roulette, a daily game that was neither welcome nor pleasant.

The chimes sounded again.

“Five minutes. You sure you can’t stay?”

She was already surveying the shortest route to her car.

“No, but thank you. For the dance. The dances. For everything.”

At that, she turned and fled down the lighted path to the parking area. Glancing over her shoulder, she was relieved he didn’t follow. Maybe he was a gentleman, maybe he wasn’t. One thing was certain, he swam in waters she’d never belong in and through currents she’d never master.

If he called, she wouldn’t see him.

But she’d have her memories of the evening and that would be enough. It had to be.

About the Author, Pamela Aares…

Pamela Aares is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance novels. Her contemporary series, The Tavonesi Series, explores the lives, loves, friendships and sizzling romances of the Tavonesi family.

Her popularity as a romance writer continues to grow with each new book release, so much so, that the Bay area author has drawn comparisons by reviewers to Nora Roberts.

Pamela Aares writes romance books that she loves reading, particularly those that entertain, transport and inspire dreams while captivating and tugging at the heart. She takes her readers on a journey with complex characters in both contemporary and historical settings who are thrown in situations that tempt love, adventure and self-discovery.

Before becoming a romance author, Aares wrote and produced award-winning films including Your Water, Your Life, featuring actress Susan Sarandon and NPR series New Voices, The Powers of the Universe and The Earth’s Imagination.

If not behind her computer, you can probably find her reading a romance novel, hiking the beach or savoring life with friends. You can visit Pamela on the web at http://www.PamelaAares.com.

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

Link to Follow Tour:

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/04/love-in-vineyard-tavonesi-7-by-pamela_13.html

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26098698-love-in-the-vineyard?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/show/120562-tavonesi

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

Author Links: Website  | Facebook  | Twitter  | Goodreads

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Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Alliance by M.L. Callahan

 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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ALLIANCE

A Timewalker Novel

BY M.L. CALLAHAN

Blurb

For centuries aliens have waged a covert war for control of Earth using time travel as a weapon. A select group of humans become their soldiers, genetically modified pawns destined to be caught in the crossfire. But this time, the pawns have a plan of their own…and the fate of all mankind rests in their hands. Fans of complex world building, alternate realities, and non-stop action won’t want to miss Callahan’s books!

ALLIANCE

A Timewalker Novel

BY M.L. CALLAHAN

Excerpt

Tara looked out the window again and realized her pulse was still thrumming. He unnerved her. It wasn’t just his size, it was his attitude. Maybe she was self-conscious because he’d caught her off guard. She was definitely embarrassed that she’d pulled her weapon on him.

She adjusted the vent and got a waft of hot air. His attitude bothered her, but she liked his truck. It smelled like leather and earth and felt deliciously warm. She forced herself to ignore the flutter of nerves generated by being alone in the dark with him. The nerves weren’t from fear but something else. And she wondered which was worse, being afraid of a man she was investigating or being attracted to him?

“You shouldn’t come out here alone.”

She looked at him. “Why not?”

“We’ve got more than a few meth heads around here. You don’t want to walk up on something, not without backup.”

She watched his face in the dimness, uneasy with the protective tone of his voice.

“We confirmed the ID today,” she said.

“I know.”

That ticked her off.

“Won’t be long till the media has it,” he added.

“Where are you getting your information?”

He didn’t answer.

“And the other day,” she said, “how’d you know we were here, me and M.J.? Are you having us tailed?”

Even if he was, he’d probably never admit it. But she at least needed to ask and get his reaction. Shadowing investigators could definitely be considered suspicious behavior.

Although she had to be honest with herself. She didn’t consider him a real suspect. Despite his links to the victim, she simply didn’t feel it.

“I’m guessing you filmed us approaching your property and ran my plate,” she said.

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Nothing that cloak-and- dagger.” He glanced at her. “I’m friends with Crystal.”

“Who’s Crystal?”

“She waited on you at the Waffle Stop. Bright red hair, eyebrow ring.”

She turned to face the window. “Small-town grapevine. And here I’ve been all impressed with your spying abilities.”

“You should be.” He pulled up to her Explorer and parked. “We’re the best there is.”

She looked at him in the darkness, so confident it bordered on arrogance. And the crazy thing was she believed him. She bought into it completely—he was that good.

His eyes locked on hers, and the air between them felt charged with electricity. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her heart skittered. Was he going to kiss her? He eased closer, watching her, making her heart pound.

About the Author, M.L. Callahan…

M.L. Callahan is a sci-fi fanatic and full time writer. Alliance is Callahan’s twelfth novel. Fans of Hugh Howey’s Wool series; Wayward Pines, Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s League Series, or Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series will not be able to resist Callahan’s complex world building, twisting plot lines, or unique premise. Callahan writes something brand new in the science fiction arena with character driven stories that read more like adventure books than hard science manuals. The Timewalker Chronicles are like nothing you’ve ever read before. Don’t miss this book!

~~~

Links to M.L.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Amazon Kindle: http://goo.gl/2MKXPs

Apple: https://goo.gl/5qINfc

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

Nook: Coming September 23

Google:

https://play.google.com/store/books/d...

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ml_callahan

Website: http://mlcallahan.com

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**:  M.L. is giving away digital copies of ALLIANCE to five (5) lucky readers who comment on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, M.L., for sharing your story with us!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin

 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!

 ~~

SHADOW FALL

The Tracers #9

BY LAURA GRIFFIN

Blurb

In the ninth romantic suspense novel in the New York Times bestselling Tracers series, author Laura Griffin brings back her elite cadre of forensic experts as they hunt down the most brutal serial killer yet.

Special Agent Tara Rushing arrives at a grisly murder scene and quickly discovers she’s got a serial killer on her hands. The killer is meticulous, making sure to wipe up even the smallest traces of evidence…but the Delphi Center experts are on the case.

The local sheriff has a suspect all picked out—ex-Marine and current security expert Liam Wolfe. Despite all her digging, Tara knows very little about Liam when she shows up at his sprawling Texas compound, which serves as headquarters for Wolfe Security, and she’s surprised by her intense physical reaction to him.

As she and Liam grow closer, Tara finds herself depending on his skills and expertise to help her track a killer. But when another body turns up, Tara must decide if she can trust the man who’s quickly stealing her heart.

The ninth novel in the Tracers series that combines gripping plot twists with spine-tingling romance, Shadow Fall once again proves that “Laura Griffin gets better with each book” (The Romance Reviews).

SHADOW FALL

The Tracers #9

BY LAURA GRIFFIN

Excerpt

Tara looked out the window again and realized her pulse was still thrumming. He unnerved her. It wasn’t just his size, it was his attitude. Maybe she was self-conscious because he’d caught her off guard. She was definitely embarrassed that she’d pulled her weapon on him.

She adjusted the vent and got a waft of hot air. His attitude bothered her, but she liked his truck. It smelled like leather and earth and felt deliciously warm. She forced herself to ignore the flutter of nerves generated by being alone in the dark with him. The nerves weren’t from fear but something else. And she wondered which was worse, being afraid of a man she was investigating or being attracted to him?

“You shouldn’t come out here alone.”

She looked at him. “Why not?”

“We’ve got more than a few meth heads around here. You don’t want to walk up on something, not without backup.”

She watched his face in the dimness, uneasy with the protective tone of his voice.

“We confirmed the ID today,” she said.

“I know.”

That ticked her off.

“Won’t be long till the media has it,” he added.

“Where are you getting your information?”

He didn’t answer.

“And the other day,” she said, “how’d you know we were here, me and M.J.? Are you having us tailed?”

Even if he was, he’d probably never admit it. But she at least needed to ask and get his reaction. Shadowing investigators could definitely be considered suspicious behavior.

Although she had to be honest with herself. She didn’t consider him a real suspect. Despite his links to the victim, she simply didn’t feel it.

“I’m guessing you filmed us approaching your property and ran my plate,” she said.

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Nothing that cloak-and- dagger.” He glanced at her. “I’m friends with Crystal.”

“Who’s Crystal?”

“She waited on you at the Waffle Stop. Bright red hair, eyebrow ring.”

She turned to face the window. “Small-town grapevine. And here I’ve been all impressed with your spying abilities.”

“You should be.” He pulled up to her Explorer and parked. “We’re the best there is.”

She looked at him in the darkness, so confident it bordered on arrogance. And the crazy thing was she believed him. She bought into it completely—he was that good.

His eyes locked on hers, and the air between them felt charged with electricity. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her heart skittered. Was he going to kiss her? He eased closer, watching her, making her heart pound.



About the Author, Laura Griffin…

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner (for the books Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

~~~

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

Link to Follow Tour:

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/07/shadow-fall-tracers-9-by-laura-griffin.html

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25111058-shadow-fall

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/46965-tracers

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

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Author Peek** Character Interview with M.L. Callahan’s Villain, Droghan

 





**AUTHOR PEEK** Character Interview with

M.L.CALLAHAN’S Villain, Droghan

 ~~

INTRODUCING…M.L. Callahan’s Villain, Droghan!

An Interview with Droghan, The Forbidden Son, Leader of the Triscani exiled to Earth, Immortal and Hunter of the human women known as Timewalkers:

Q: How do you feel about your family?



A: My mother betrayed me, and so did her family. I have no love for them. They are not my family. The other Forbidden Sons, the ones born under the curse, like me, they are my family now.

Q: What do you want from life?

A: Vengeance

Q: If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?

A: This is a human question. I am not human. I am more. I do not need wishes. I have what I need to create my own destiny…power and time.

Q: What, in the outside world, is preventing you from getting it?

A: Only one thing stands in my way, the Timewalkers. Once they are gone, no one can stop me.

Q: How do you fall in love? At first sight? Over a long period?

A: I have never been in love, and I have loved only once. My son. And even he was taken from me. Destroyed by a Timewalker, a human. I will have justice, it’s why I traveled through time.

Q: What parts of loving come easy for you? Hard?

A: Loving is easy, an idiot’s folly. Love is nothing more than self-inflicted pain, and I am not a masochist. I do not love. I take. I dismiss. I rule. Nothing else is required.

Q: How do you decide if you can trust someone?

A: Easily. I don’t. Perhaps, some day, I’ll get a dog, but even that would most likely bite me.

Q: When you walk into a room, what do you notice first? Second?

A: I notice power. People. Machines. It doesn’t matter what form the power takes. Power and time are the only two things that matter.

Q: What do you consider your special talent?

A: Killing.

Q: What do you wish your special talent was?

A: Finding Timewalkers so I can kill them faster.

Q: What are you most proud of about your life?



A: I’m still here.

Q: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done? What would happen if you did it?

A: I want to go home, to Itara. But if I did that now, before the Queen is dead, I would be executed on sight. First, the Queen needs to die. Then I will return to my home world and take what’s rightfully mine.

Q: How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?

A: I have been in exile, in hiding, for centuries. This time, I want to win. This time, the human Timewalker must die.

~~~~~~~

Be sure to come back to read more about M.L. and ALLIANCE, A Timewalkers Novel,  on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!

~~~

Links to M.L.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Amazon Kindle: http://goo.gl/2MKXPs

Apple: https://goo.gl/5qINfc

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

Nook: Coming September 23

Google:

https://play.google.com/store/books/d...

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ml_callahan

Website: http://mlcallahan.com

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**:  M.L. is giving away digital copies of ALLIANCE to five (5) lucky readers who comment on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, M.L., for sharing your story with us!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Jerrie Alexander

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with Jerrie Alexander!

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, Jerrie Alexander, and her favorite recipe for BANANA BREAD!

FLIRTING WITH FATE

A Noble Pass Affaire Novella

B Y JERRIE ALEXANDER

Blurb

There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Elle Reagan isn’t about to stand by and let a con-artist get away with stealing her grandmother’s life savings. While the legal system moves at a snail’s pace, Elle promises to bring him to justice. She follows him to a ski resort in Colorado, where she hopes to get the evidence needed to put him away for good. But she didn’t count on her roommate being a distraction, because he wasn’t supposed to be her brother’s best friend.

Detective Logan Ford has denied his desire to take Elle into his arms since they were teenagers, but when his partner asks him to follow her to Castle Alainn to keep her out of trouble, Logan finds himself unable to refuse her. He agrees to help catch a thief instead of convincing her to pack her bags and go home. To make matters worse, he can’t seem to remember why he should keep his distance from the delectable, infuriating, independent Elle.

Elle and Logan surrender to their attraction, but as their passion ignites, her plot is discovered. A killer will do whatever it takes to silence her and destroy a love that was destined to last a lifetime.

FLIRTING WITH FATE

A Noble Pass Affaire Novella

B Y JERRIE ALEXANDER

EXCERPT

Logan’s willingness to support her, to help her right this wrong, touched her heart. For him to agree so easily spoke volumes. He was doing this for her. Deep down she’d known it for years. Had she and Logan been in love all this time and ignored or refused to admit it? Had fate given her the chance to answer that question?

“Thank you.” She slid her hand across the table palm up. He wrapped his fingers through hers and squeezed.

“Let’s get to it.” Logan asked for the bill, signed it, and then stood.

She took his hand and walked to the elevator. The doors had closed when Elle remembered Nicki’s request. “What do you think Nicki wanted?” Elle laughed when his right eyebrow lifted. “Besides your body.”

“My money. I suggested that I might be disappointed in my current investment strategy.”

“Smart. You should call when we get to the room.”

“No. Let her wait. After Liam and Alana turn them away, I’m willing to bet that I’ll become a serious target.”

“If they come after you, anything you learn can be used against them. Right?”

“Right.” Logan slid his card key into the door lock.

“Then I hope that works, even if it requires exposing you to that female piranha.”

Logan glanced over his shoulder. “I’m touched that you’d worry about me.”

“You misunderstand. I worry that you’ll fall under her spell and slip up,” she said, walking past him into the suite.

His laugh followed her. She loved the quick and hearty sound. It made her knees weak as hell.

“Okay, smart girl. Get out your laptop.” He pulled his cell from his pocket. How could he switch from oozing sex to serious detective mode in the blink of an eye?

Elle set her laptop on the bar, turned it on, and waited for it to boot up. Logan was still on the phone when the program loaded. He winked at her. That simple gesture sent her heart dancing in her chest.

“What’s your email address?”

She answered him and then retrieved a coffee pod, dropping it in the dispenser and pressing the on button. Not that she needed the caffeine. Her nerves were already spring boarding around her body like a kid on a trampoline.

“Fix me a cup too, please.”

“What do we do next?” She selected another pod and waited for the first cup to finish.

“My friend is sending a program for me to install on your laptop. It’s top of the line and should open your stolen files.” Strong hands slid around her waist, pulling her close.

About the author…Jerrie Alexander.

A student of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband and two wonderful children. Her love for romantic suspense inspires her to write alpha males and kick-ass women. Her characters weave their way through death and danger to emerge stronger, because of, and on occasion, in spite of, their love for each other. If they’re tough enough, they live happily everafter.

Jerrie lives in Texas, denies having an accent, thrives on sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines. She loves to hear from her readers. Find a complete list of her books at http://www.jerriealexander.com or contact her at jerrie@jerriealexander.com.

~~~

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

Website: http://jerriealexander.com

Buy links for Flirting with Fate:

Amazon – http://amzn.to/1Mw1pIo

KOBO – bit.ly/1glSgVL

iBooks – apple.co/1P6hcMD

Social media links:

http://www.twitter.com/jerriealexander

https://www.facebook.com/JerrieAlexanderAuthor

http://pinterest.com/jerriealexander

http://www.amazon.com/author/jerriealexander

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 218 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BANANA BREAD RECIPE

Banana Bread Recipe – I found this recipe years ago on foodnetwork.com, modified it by using Stevia instead of sugar.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Yield: One loaf.

The best bananas to use for banana bread are those that are over-ripe. The yellow peels should be at least half browned, and the bananas inside squishy and browning.

Ingredients

2-3 very ripe bananas, peeled
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup of sugar (I use Stevia. It’s not as sweet but it’s healthier)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and butter a 4×8-inch loaf pan.

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (check at 50 minutes) at 350°F (175°C), or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool completely on a rack. Remove the banana bread from the pan. Slice and serve. (A bread knife helps to make slices that aren’t crumbly.)

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**:  Jerrie  is giving away a signed print copy of her novel FLIRTING WITH FATE to a reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Jerrie, for sharing your story with us!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Needs A Little TLC by Inés Saint

 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!

 ~~

NEEDS A LITTLE TLC

A Spinning Hills Novel

BY INÉS SAINT

Blurb

The Amador brothers are committed to a new beginning for their quirky, storybook town. But they’re learning that every house needs a heart to be a home…

Growing up, Cassie McGillicuddy was the one person who consistently made Sam Amador lose his steadfast outward cool. She was always full of both brilliant and harebrained ideas, and being around her had made him feel more alive.

Until her biggest harebrained idea of them all. Asking him to teach her how to be a good kisser. Soon after, they’d broken each other’s hearts, and she’d disappeared.

But now Cassie was back. And she meant business.

NEEDS A LITTLE TLC

A Spinning Hills Novel

BY INÉS SAINT

Excerpt

A click sounded. Someone had picked up. “Amador Construction, this is Sam speaking.” The familiar voice was deeper and more purposeful than she remembered. Cassie’s heart began pumping so hard, she could hear its pounding rhythm in her ears. Her hands shook, and she narrowed her eyes at them. She shouldn’t feel this way.

Jessica, her best friend and office manager, cleared her throat. “Good morning, Mr. Amador. My name is Jessica Carter, and I’m with Red Realty, a niche realty firm focused on matching special historic properties with their perfect future owners.”

Cassie zeroed in on her friend’s voice and tried to bring herself back from the land of the stupid.

“I’m calling because I understand you have a number of historic houses on your hands, and I’d love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your goals and how we can help you meet them.”

Cassie beamed at Jessica. She sounded professional yet warm, confident, and grateful for his time.

“Red Realty,” Sam repeated, a little too slowly. A little too…knowingly?

Nah. She no longer knew him well enough to read that much into two words. It was all in her head.

“Yes.” Jessica nodded, as if he could see her. “Red Realty. Perhaps you’ve heard of us? We’ve had great successes and built wonderful partnerships in the Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, and Cincinnati markets and we’d love to do the same in Spinning Hills and the Dayton region. I’d like to set up a meeting.”

“Sure,” Sam answered. Cassie and Jessica stared at each other, eyes wide, in a moment of shared triumph.

“Put your owner on the line, and I’ll be happy to set up a meeting with her,” he finished.

“Her?” Jessica squeaked into the phone.

“Yes. Her,” Sam repeated. “The owner of Red Realty.”

“Oh. Her,” Jessica said, throwing a hand up in frustration while she waited for Cassie to finish her mad scribble. Owner not available or needed!!! “I’m sorry, the owner isn’t available right now, but I can assure you a meeting with her won’t be necessary. She’s…a silent partner.” Her voice faltered.

“Silent partner? Right.” A soft chuckle came over the phone, and Cassie paused to stare at the air above it, half-expecting to see Sam’s head floating over it, looking right at her.

“She’s listening, isn’t she?” Sam asked. Cassie’s eyes widened and then narrowed. Was that a smile in his voice?

Jessica snapped her pencil in two. “Excuse me?”

“Tell Cassie I never took her for a coward,” Sam replied.

Angry, red-hot sparks went off in Cassie’s head and traveled throughout her body. He knew. And he was being a big fat brat about it. She took two quick steps and grabbed the phone out of her friend’s hand, but as she did so, her dead therapist’s advice echoed in her mind.

She counted to ten, patiently, and considered her actions, carefully.



About the Author, Inés Saint…

Inés Saint was born in Zaragoza, Spain. She’s bilingual and bicultural and has spent the last decade raising her fun, inspiring little boys and sharing her life with the man of her dreams. Her greatest joy is spending quality time with the family members and close friends who happen to provide the inspiration for both the nutty and wise things her characters say and do.

~~~~

Links to Inés’ website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.inessaint.com

Needs A Little TLC:

http://www.amazon.com/Needs-Little-Spinning-Hills-Romance-ebook/dp/B00RKQ64RA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442160018&sr=1-1&keywords=needs+a+little+tlc

~~~

 Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Thanks, Inés, for sharing your story with us!