Karen Docter's Blog, page 270
March 27, 2014
Congratulations Week 03-17-14 Giveaway Winner!!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 03-17-14 GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with CAROLINE CLEMMONS!!
Giveaway: Caroline will give away a $10 gift card to either Amazon, B&N, or Kobo (winner’s choice) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, Caroline, for sharing your stories with us!!
WINNER!! NICOLE McCAFFREY!!
March 25, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Heroes & Lovers by Wayne Zurl
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!
HEROES & LOVERS by WAYNE ZURL
BOOK BLURB
*
Sam Jenkins might say, “Falling in love is like catching a cold. It’s infectious and involuntary. Just don’t sneeze on any innocent people.”
Getting kidnapped and becoming infatuated with a married policeman never made TV reporter Rachel Williamson’s list of things to do before Christmas.
Helping her friend, Sam Jenkins, the ex-New York detective and now police chief in Prospect, Tennessee, with a fraud investigation sounded exciting and would get her an exclusive story.
But Sam’s investigation put Rachel in the wrong place at the wrong time and her abduction by a mentally disturbed man, ruined several days of her life.
When Jenkins learns Rachel has gone missing he mobilizes all personnel at Prospect PD and enlists his friends from the FBI to help find her.
During the early stages of the investigation, Sam develops several promising leads, but as they begin to fizzle, his prime suspect drops off the planet and all the resources of the FBI aren’t helping.
After a little old-fashioned pressure on an informant produces an important clue, the chief leads his team deep into the Smoky Mountains to rescue his friend. But after Rachel is once again safe at home, he finds their problems are far from over.
~~~~~
HEROES & LOVERS by WAYNE ZURL
EXCERPT 
The sixty-degree temperatures of several days earlier had cooled slightly. The cloudless Wedgwood blue skies we‘d been enjoying had turned to a muddy, hazy gray hanging over Prospect. The pollution of Knoxville and Oak Ridge had been blown southeast by the prevailing winter winds.
When we pulled up at the repair shop, it took me less than a minute to spot Elrod sitting in his office reading a magazine. Another young man worked on a pick-up truck in the garage bay and two others sat on folding chairs nearby, drinking soda from cans, talking with him. We sat twenty yards from the open garage door and heard a radio playing. Someone lamented the loss of his girlfriend and contemplated his exodus to San Antone. The song didn‘t sound like one of the icons of country and western music.
Len Alcock, Bobby John Crockett, and Stan Rose pulled their marked police cars curbside, blocking the driveways after Junior and I drove up to the office door. The two soda drinkers were about to run when Alcock and Crockett put the arm on them.
Stanley rousted the mechanic, a guy who looked like he ate pit bulls for breakfast, before he could hide in the supply room off the work area.
Junior followed me into the office. I walked up to a scarred and dented gray metal desk. An open bag of pork rinds lay on top next to a two-liter bottle of Mello Yello. A half-eaten corn dog hid in a wrinkled wrapper.
“Hi there,” I said. “I‘ll bet you‘re Elrod Swaggerty, aren‘t you?”
He was a thin, shady-looking character with short hair and side-burns ending below his earlobes. His dark blue mechanic‘s outfit hadn‘t seen soap in a long time.
Elrod eyed me for a few seconds and then shifted his look to Junior and back again to me. If he didn‘t assume I was a cop, he was more mentally bereft than I anticipated.
“That‘s me.” His voice cracked a little as he tried a nervous smile.
“The Elrod Swaggerty?” I started to enjoy myself.
“Uh-huh, whot‘s up?”
I held up a copy of the arrest warrant for him to see. “I know you were hoping Officer Huskey and I came from Publisher‘s Clearing House and we were about to give you a check for a million bucks, but I‘m sorry to disappoint you.”
Junior tried to stifle a laugh, which came out like a combination snicker and snort from a clogged sinus passage. I should have remembered to smack him when we finished, but didn‘t.
Someone in the garage turned off the radio, stopping the Nashville sound.
“Elrod, my friend, you‘re under arrest,” I said.
“Whot fer? I didn‘t do nuthin‘.”
“You just committed a double negative in public. If you didn‘t do nothing, you must have done something. May I take that as an admission of guilt?”
“Do whot?” He was almost gasping.
“Elrod, son, you have the right to remain silent. I suggest you avail yourself of that right before I feel compelled to flatten your head with a brick.”
“Hey now, don‘t go gettin‘ mean an‘ hateful on me, I really didn‘t do nothin’.”
“Pal, you haven‘t seen hateful yet,” I said. “We‘re only having a spirited conversation here. If you see me call in a helicopter or break out a field phone with little alligator clips attached to wires, you may infer I‘m going to get nasty.”
I heard Junior giggling behind me. I should tranquilize him the next time we go on an arrest.
“Let‘s go, guy, on your feet. Time to put the cuffs on,” I said.
“Cuffs? Are you crazy? I said, I ain‘t done nothin‘.”
When he stood, I gave him a push and moved him up against the wall behind his desk. Just to the left, hung a two-foot-tall calendar showing a girl in a bikini, holding a gallon can of anti-freeze, standing next to a shiny black Mustang with the hood raised.
“Assume position one, Elrod. Hands on the wall and walk your feet back some.”
Elrod seemed familiar with the steps to that dance. I took hold of his belt and backed him up even more, and then I used my right foot to spread his legs wider.
“I‘m going to search you now,” I said. “Is there anything in your pockets or on your person that is a weapon or might cut me, stick me, or in any other way piss me off?”
“Do whot?” he croaked again.
“Now listen carefully, Mr. Swaggerty, these are not multiple choice questions, just a simple true or false. Do you have a weapon or something sharp on your body?”
“I got me a folder on my belt—that‘s it, it ain‘t concealed.”
I removed a cheap knock-off of a Buck lock-back knife from a beaten-up leather pouch on his belt and handed it to Junior. I finished patting him down, put cuffs on him, double locked them, and brought him back to the position of attention.
“Whot am I charged with? I got a right ta know!” he crooned.
“Larceny by inveiglement—four times and scheme to defraud.”
“Do whot?”
Obviously, vocabulary hadn‘t been one of Elrod‘s favorite subjects.
When Junior and I walked our prisoner out to the car, I saw John Leckmanski filming the festivities from a discrete distance, far off Elrod‘s property.
I looked toward the garage area and thought Stan and the boys also hit the jackpot. Elrod‘s three minions were in cuffs, too. Stan found the mechanic with a shirt pocket filled by a baggie brimming over with the evil weed. The guy drinking Dr. Pepper was wanted on a Blount County Traffic warrant for failure to pay fines, and the lad with the Mountain Dew was named on a bench warrant from the Rockford Justice Court for failure to appear. The two cops would transport the prisoners. Stan Rose would stay to secure the scene and inventory any cash found in the office.
The time involved in messing with Elrod‘s mind and processing his arrest would take us well beyond the 3:30 deadline for arraign-ments. Swaggerty would spend the night as a guest of Prospect PD and be transported to the county justice center in the morning. I timed the arrest that way for two reasons. I thought of Elrod as a first-class scumbag who needed to remember you don‘t screw around in Prospect. And second: I wanted to give my favorite TV newsgirl time to catch him tomorrow after he made bail and see if she could get an interview during the morning light.
When Rachel and I spoke, I suggested she attend the arraignment. She and John could watch the judge set bail, but because the county deputies and court officers may be less enamored with good-looking female reporters than I am, they wouldn‘t let her get close to the defendant. I thought they should wait in the Justice Center parking lot until Elrod‘s release and follow him back to Prospect, when he‘d undoubtedly go to his shop and check on the status of the working capital he left behind. There he‘d find a copy of the search war-rant with an inventory of the confiscated or secured property.
I‘ve lived to regret that suggestion ever since.
Meet Wayne Zurl….
Wayne Zurl grew up on Long Island and retired after twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in New York and the nation. For thirteen of those years he served as a section commander supervising investigators. He is a graduate of SUNY, Empire State College and served on active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later in the reserves. Zurl left New York to live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife, Barbara.
Twenty (20) of his Sam Jenkins mysteries have been produced as audio books and simultaneously published as eBooks. Ten (10) of these novelettes are now available in print under the titles of A MURDER IN KNOXVILLE and Other Smoky Mountain Mysteries and REENACTING A MURDER and Other Smoky Mountain Mysteries. Zurl’s first full-length novel, A NEW PROSPECT, was named best mystery at the 2011 Indie Book Awards, chosen as 1st Runner-Up from all Commercial Fiction at the 2012 Eric Hoffer Book Awards, and was a finalist for a Montaigne Medal and First Horizon Book Award. His other novels are: A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT and HEROES & LOVERS. A fourth novel, PIGEON RIVER BLUES, is under contract to be published in the near future.
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Links to Wayne’s website, blog, books, etc.
Author website: http://www.waynezurlbooks.net
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/waynezurl
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waynezurl
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4158372.Wayne_Zurl
Google &: https://plus.google.com/109594006376039428353#109594006376039428353/posts
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/waynezurl
B&N author page: http://barnesandnoble.com/s/wayne-zurl
Mind Wings Audio author page: http://mindwingsaudio.com/?s=wayne+zurl
Most recent novel, HEROES & LOVERS
Amazon direct link: http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Lovers-Wayne-Zurl/dp/0985138890/ref=sr_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346682245&sr=1-16&keywords=wayne+zurl
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Wayne will give away a PDF copy of his book, HEROES & LOVERS to EACH reader who comments on his Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! He’ll also give away an Amazon Kindle book copy of HEROES & LOVERS to one lucky reader who comments (random drawing)!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Wayne, for sharing your stories with us!
March 23, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Wayne Zurl
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with WAYNE ZURL
INTRODUCING…WAYNE ZURL!
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.
Karen, you ask good questions. I needed an extra day to provide intelligent answers. Now, let’s see if anyone else thinks I’m as clever as I do. Here’s a little something about me:
Shortly after World War Two ended, I was born in Brooklyn, New York. Although I never wanted to leave a community with such an efficient trolley system, I had little to say in my parents’ decision to pick up and move to Long Island where I grew up.
Like most American males of the baby-boomer generation, I spent my adolescence wanting to be a cowboy, soldier, or policeman. Those aspirations were based on a child’s perceptions fostered by movies and later television.
The Vietnam War and additional time in the reserves accounted for my career as a soldier. After returning to the US and separating from active duty, the New York State Employment Service told me I possessed no marketable civilian skills. So, I became a cop. That was as close to military life as I could find. I spent twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in New York and the nation. For thirteen of those years, I served as a section commander supervising investigators. Thanks to the GI Bill, I graduated from Empire State College with a couple of degrees and now that I’m retired from the police service, I still like the cowboy idea, but have interrupted that aspiration with an attempt at being a mystery writer.
Years ago, I left the land of the Big Apple to live in the picturesque foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee with my wife, Barbara.
Twenty (20) of my Sam Jenkins mysteries have been produced as audio books and simultaneously published as eBooks. Ten (10) of these novelettes are now available in print under the titles of A MURDER IN KNOXVILLE and Other Smoky Mountain Mysteries and REENACTING A MURDER and Other Smoky Mountain Mysteries.
My first full-length novel, A NEW PROSPECT, won Indie and Eric Hoffer Book Awards for best mystery and best commercial fiction in 2011 and 2012, and was a finalist for a Montaigne Medal and First Horizon Book Award. My other novels are A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT and HEROES & LOVERS. A fourth book, PIGEON RIVER BLUES, is under contract to be published in the near future.
Going beyond that canned biography, I now live in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States, just outside the most visited national parks in the country. In addition to spending my days writing and taking care of five acres of woodland, I’ve returned to something I’ve enjoyed since I was a small boy, fishing. I still use tackle from the 1950s and never mind throwing back those really big old lunkers that wouldn’t taste good and sort of remind me of myself.
1. How did you get started writing?
There are a few defense attorneys who might say I began writing police fiction when I was still a cop. But back then, we called them prosecution worksheets. No one should ever believe a lawyer. My real writing career began after I retired. For almost ten years, I wrote non-fiction magazine articles about Colonial American history and the writings of James Fenimore Cooper. In 2006, I switched to fiction. I saw my first novelette published in 2009 and a full length novel debuted in 2011.
2. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
I cash in on the old author’s maxim of write what you know. With police mysteries set in Tennessee I can cover both bases: subject and venue. My protagonist is a former New York detective who retired and found a job as police chief for a small city in the Smoky Mountains. Like me, he would investigate crimes the old-fashioned way. In police language, he’s a dinosaur.
I take actual cases I investigated, supervised, or knew a lot about and transplant them to Tennessee. This whole procedure saves me from doing all but a bare minimum of research.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
The seventh word in that sentence. Writing is fun. All that Facebook and Twitter nonsense needed to market the books is too much like work.
4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?
I collect three pensions and think my royalty checks are pitifully small. So, I write to stabilize my ego on a livable level and keep me from playing stickball in the traffic not to make money. Right now, if I had to take a job to occupy my time, I’d probably want to be a charter boat captain. I’ve owned boats most of my life, know how to behave on the water, and the work would be fun.
5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
No doubt about it—dinner. My wife is a great cook. I like to cook, and we’re not afraid of the clean up. We rarely eat prepared foods or frozen meals. It’s almost like going to a restaurant.
6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? The heroes and heroines, or the villains?
This is a tough one. I use a lot of dialogue in my books and I love the conversations between Sam Jenkins and the three women in his life—his wife, Kate, Bettye Lambert, his administrative officer and desk sergeant, and Rachel Williamson, his friend the TV reporter. Each lady handles him differently. I’d say, they’re my favorites, but since most of the characters I use are based on real people, I like the idea of duplicating the delivery and style of speech for these quirky and unique personalities. If I can “hear” and “see” someone I know, it’s easy to write their dialogue and develop their character.
One of the things I dislike about my kind of story is killing off a few of the bad guys. Sometimes they’re so evil, I hate to see them go. I’d like to get more mileage from these real rats.
6. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
I’m constantly reading something. For years, I read lots of historical fiction. When I was a cop, I rarely read mysteries or police fiction. Then one day someone gave me a copy of James Lee Burke’s book BLACK CHERRY BLUES and I got hooked. From him I moved on to guys like Robert B. Parker, Raymond Chandler, Joe Wambaugh, and that other fellow from Long Island who tries to write mysteries, Nelson DeMille.
7. Many writers dream of having the ideal location to write. If you could live anywhere in the world or live a particular lifestyle, where would you be answering these questions right now?
We almost moved to Scotland when I retired, but thanks to the US dollar sinking and the exchange rate being abysmal, we changed plans. But since you’re allowing me a fantasy existence, I’ll take a renovated old stone cottage on a few acres of headland near a harbor town in the Western Highlands. I would happily sit in front of a picture window overlooking the sea and the islands sipping single-malt whisky and write about an ex-New York detective who moved to Scotland and helps the local constables solve crimes.
8. If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Questions like this are too abstract for me. So, what do I do? Simple, ask my wife. She thinks I should be Great Lakes blue. We’ve just started fishing up there and I’m amazed at the expanse and beauty we cover in a boat.
If that doesn’t work, how about orange? I love the autumn and the foliage here in the Smokies is almost as spectacular as it was in New York’s Adirondacks.
9. Tell us about your newest book & when was it published?
HEROES & LOVERS came out in August of 2012. It’s a continuation of Sam Jenkins’ antics as chief of Prospect PD and features the same ensemble cast of cops and citizens from east Tennessee seen in all the books and stories. This is actually a composite of four incidents, three supporting the most story-worthy, Rachel Williamson’s abduction. I changed the real case of an assault and attempted rape of someone I knew to a kidnapping to prolong the tension and give Sam a very time sensitive goal to achieve.
I’ve also got three novelettes under contract and scheduled to be produced as audio books and simultaneously published as eBooks. THE SWAN TATTOO deals with Asian organized crime in the southeast US, ALVIS IS IN THE BUILDING looks at the world of professional pool players and a murder that shakes up the Prospect Billiard Club, and GRACELAND ON HEELS finds Sam Jenkins hooking a dead Elvis impersonator while fishing in a Smoky Mountain river.
And my publisher is currently working on the second round of edits on a full-length novel, PIGEON RIVER BLUES, which I hope to see in print and tell you folks about in June. This one takes Sam Jenkins into the world of country and western music where he investigates death threats against a beautiful singer.
Karen, Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog and allowing me to meet your fans and followers.
~~~~~~~
Links to Wayne’s website, blog, books, etc.
Author website: http://www.waynezurlbooks.net
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/waynezurl
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waynezurl
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4158372.Wayne_Zurl
Google &: https://plus.google.com/109594006376039428353#109594006376039428353/posts
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/waynezurl
B&N author page: http://barnesandnoble.com/s/wayne-zurl
Mind Wings Audio author page: http://mindwingsaudio.com/?s=wayne+zurl
Most recent novel, HEROES & LOVERS
Amazon direct link: http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Lovers-Wayne-Zurl/dp/0985138890/ref=sr_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346682245&sr=1-16&keywords=wayne+zurl
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Wayne and his book, HEROES & LOVERS (A Sam Jenkins Mystery), on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Wayne will give away a PDF copy of his book, HEROES & LOVERS to EACH reader who comments on his Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! He’ll also give away an Amazon Kindle book copy of HEROES & LOVERS to one lucky reader who comments (random drawing)!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Wayne, for sharing your stories with us!
March 20, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Pepper Pot Stew
It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is PEPPER POT STEW!
I love a peppery beef stew. This one isn’t made in a crock pot but it’s still tender and delicious!
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 135 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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PEPPER POT STEW
[Serves 6-8]
2 lb. lean stewing beef
1 cup sliced carrots
¼ cup flour
1 onion, chopped
2 T. oil
1 lg. potato, diced
3 cups beef stock
½ tsp. black pepper
1 ½ tsp. salt
2 T. parsley, chopped
mushrooms
Cut beef into 1” cubes. Cover with flour and brown in hot oil. Add salt and stock and cook, covered about 2 hours until meat is tender. Add vegetables, pepper, and parsley and cook until vegetables are tender.
March 18, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Gabe Kincaid by Caroline Clemmons
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!
GABE KINCAID (Book Four of The Kincaids Series)
By CAROLINE CLEMMONS
Book Blurb
*
Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle’s law firm. Gabe believes he’s happy and pushes aside those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what’s right is fulfilling, isn’t it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?
Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a small-time circus. If she isn’t behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she’s disguised as the fortuneteller, Majarani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortune telling tent that sends her into the Kincaid’s protective custody will end with her exposure and death. Then, a death at the circus implicates her. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?
Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance or will her secrets destroy their chance at a happily ever after?
~~~~~
GABE KINCAID (Book Four of The Kincaid Series)
By CAROLINE CLEMMONS
EXCERPT
“I brought you out here to tell you something.” He clasped her hands in his. “Don’t go pale on me. I wanted to warn you that the newspaper is running a story on Fred’s murder. I tried to keep your name out of it, but John Wiley blabbed about the brawl and how his son supposedly had been erroneously accused. I’m afraid your name will be in the paper along with your description.”
“I appreciate you preparing me.” What sort of distribution did the newspaper have? Would the story be picked up in Austin and wired to other cities? Self-consciously, she twirled a lock of her ebony hair.
He echoed her thoughts. “You’re thinking your description will say you have black hair. And it will. But the story is just odd enough to make news across the country.”
“It doesn’t bother me as long as it doesn’t say I started the brawl or that I killed the barber. I can’t help what people write as long as it’s the truth.” And Dorothy Duncan with black hair should offer no threat.
“It will be honest. Our newspaper is owned by a good man, Preston Youngblood. He’s keen on keeping to facts and not embellishing them. But he includes interviews, and you can imagine what John Wiley will tell him. Oh, no you can’t, can you? He’s the father of the guy who attacked you. One of those ‘My son does no wrong’ types. Also beats his wife, but that’s another matter.”
“Oh, dear, he sounds horrid. He’ll say I enticed the son, provoked him. But I give you my word I didn’t.”
“I know that. The other two boys confessed, but Wiley won’t drop it. He’s determined to show everyone his son is innocent and the other two framed him. It’s not that he cares about the son, but only about himself and his standing in the community.”
“That’s sad. If I ever have kids, I won’t be that kind of parent.”
A frown creased his brow. “You have someone lined up to be the father?”
“Certainly not. Probably won’t ever marry. A woman doesn’t meet a lot of eligible males in the circus.”
“Do I detect a hint of snobbery?”
She sensed the heat of a blush creep across her face. “I won’t deny it. There are some wonderful people in the circus, but that’s not the life I want forever. I want a home. It doesn’t have to be as grand as Judge Kincaid’s, but solid and in a nice community. With stability. I hope it’s not denied me forever.”
“Why would it be?”
She pressed her hand against his arm. “Don’t, Gabe. It’s such a nice afternoon. Don’t spoil it by prying.”
“All right. But I wish you’d trust me with all your secrets, Shimza. I feel like a fool calling you that, but I don’t even know your real name.”
“Shimza will do. And I do trust you to keep me safe here.”
“But you don’t think I could if you told me more, is that it?” He gently clasped her shoulders and turned her to face him.
She met his gaze, pleading with him, “Please, it’s too . . . complicated.”
Slowly he slid his hands across her shoulders, lightly up her neck. He caressed her face with his thumbs while he rested his hands gently on either side of her face. “Then let’s make it a little more complicated.” He leaned forward and claimed her lips.
She dissolved against him. His gentle kiss increased in fervor. Her arms slid around him and her fingers weaved into his hair.
His hands slid across her back. Stroking. Touching. Hugging.
One of his strong hands skimmed her ribs beneath her breast. Brazenly, she wished he’d move higher where she ached to be touched. As it was, the heat of his touch near burned through her clothing.
He broke their embrace, his chest heaving. “I’ve never kissed a client. Grandpa will have my hide.”
She rested her head against his powerful shoulder. “Mmm, I don’t think so. Perhaps you noticed we were seated next to one another at dinner. I could be wrong, but I think the Judge and Mrs. Kincaid are conspiring. Judge Kincaid smiled when we left the dining room together.”
“You don’t say? Then, if it’s all right with you, I’m kissing you again.”
And he did. Not that she was an expert, but her verdict was he kissed very well indeed.
Meet Caroline Clemmons….
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary western romances whose books have garnered numerous awards. Her latest release is THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, book three of her popular Kincaid series. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline is a member of Romance Writers of America, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, From The Heart Romance Writers, and Hearts Through History Romance Writers. Her latest publications include the acclaimed historical Men of Stone Mountain series: BRAZOS BRIDE, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, and BLUEBONNET BRIDE and the audio book of BRAZOS BRIDE.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets—Shih Tzu Webster, huge tuxedo cat Sebastian, and small Manx kitten Max. Prior to writing full time, her jobs included stay-at-home mom (her favorite), secretary, newspaper reporter and featured columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, bookkeeper for the local tax assessor and—for a short and fun but unsuccessful time—an antique dealer. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, getting together with friends, and enjoying watching the birds, butterflies, and squirrels wandering through her back yard. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.
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Links to Caroline’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website http://carolineclemmons.com
Blog http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/ref=3Dsr_tc_2_0?qid=3D=1389286472&sr=3D1-2-ent
Team blogs http://smartgirlsreadromance.blogspot.com 2nd of each month
http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com 20th of each month
http://cowboykisses.blogspot.com 4th Monday of each month
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolineClemmonsRomances
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline)
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/caroline_clemmons
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/458092.Caroline_Clemmons
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caroclemmons/
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/CClemmons
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Caroline will give away a $10 gift card to either Amazon, B&N, or Kobo (winner’s choice) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Caroline, for sharing your stories with us!
March 17, 2014
Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter #ARCs Available!
KILLING SECRETS by K.L. DOCTER
(A Thorne’s Thorns Series Novel)
Squeeeee! I’m excited to announce that Killing Secrets, the first of my romantic suspense Thorne’s Thorns series novels is releasing on April 17th!!
But, you can get a Sneak Peek! I will have complimentary copies (PDF) of Killing Secrets available by this weekend for an honest review of the book on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. The book is already up for review at Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5754902.Karen_Docter so please click on Want to Read. Then, you can post your review there before the launch date or wait until launch date and post the review everywhere sometime that week. Posting on release week helps tremendously to get the word out, so thanks for your help!!
To get your complimentary copy of Killing Secrets to review, please send your email address to kldocter@yahoo.com or private message me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karen.docter.
Thank you for your support. I do appreciate my readers!
Short Stats: Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter (copyright 2014)
Publisher: Karen Docter
Romantic Suspense (Approx. 100,000+ words)
Heat Level: Spicy, 1 descriptive love scene (not erotic)
Language & Violence: Psychological Woman-in-jeopardy,
not graphic, some language
Book Blurb:
Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — his key to the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.
Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.
There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.
Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter
(copyright 2014)
A Thorne’s Thorns Novel
Excerpt
Prologue
Four weeks….
Two days….
Sixteen hours….
…’Til death
The first time he laid eyes on her, he stood on the threshold of a doorway he dare not cross. He fell into her fathomless dark gaze, unable, unwilling to shake his soul free and, in that one moment, he knew.
She was meant for him to love.
Untouched by the sordid life that flourished around her, she was sunlight in a gray existence. A smile in a dingy room. A joy such as he’d never known. She was a gift from a cold, unforgiving God. Forever innocent.
Why God would give him such a precious angel, he didn’t know. But he suddenly knew what he was willing to die for. What he’d kill for.
In that instant of clarity the monster that lurked in the dark recesses of his mind was freed. A creature designed to kill. To live and die. Over and over again. Until his angel ascended once more to her place in Heaven at God’s feet where he couldn’t reach her.
‘Til death parted them, she was his and his alone.
Certain she’d been lost to him, the shock of spotting her again in LoDo, a lower downtown section of Denver, nearly brought him to his knees. His brain tried to tell him he was mistaken. She had more curves than he remembered. Her hairstyle and clothes were different.
The others were different, too.
He shook his head against the monster’s treacherous whisper. He refused to listen. Couldn’t listen. His angel smiled at him. His soul recognized her. Somehow, some way, his fractious God had been appeased and given him yet another chance.
The past seven days were hell. Watching her. Wanting to take her. Knowing he couldn’t screw up and lose her again. Tonight, his preparations in place, she’d return to his side where she belonged.
Breathing slow and measured through the full-face ski mask he’d bought at a thrift store, he sucked in a lungful of musty stench. In this uncommon late-May heat wave, he was sweating bullets but the wool soaked it up before it could sting his eyes. The itching would drive him insane, though, if she didn’t come home from work soon.
The LoDo sports bar where she waited tables closed almost an hour ago. She couldn’t have gone on a date at two o’clock on a Thursday morning, could she?
Three times he’d entered her ground floor apartment after she’d left for work, and he’d seen no sign she was involved with anyone. No jockey shorts mixed with her panties in the hamper. No extra razor. The food in the refrigerator wasn’t enough to feed a cat, let alone her and a boyfriend, and the only scent on her pillows was floral. The sole message from a male on her answering machine had identified himself as a special research librarian from the Denver Public Library reminding her to pick up the copy of “The Warwick Genealogy” she’d requested.
That doesn’t mean she isn’t still involved with him, the almighty scion of Thorne Enterprises. She’s probably crawling into his bed like a whore right this minute, letting him do things to her, making her scream….
Screams.
Blood.
Death.
“No! Stop!” he whispered. “That was a mistake!”
Was it? The insidious question lashed him from the dark place in his pounding skull.
He rejected the smirking voice, the vivid images. Think of something else. Anything else. Forgetforgetfor—
A car alarm screamed at an outlying parking lot and dragged him out of his fugue. His eyes cleared. The pain behind them eased to a level he’d learned to carry over the years. He took a deep breath to smother his panic.
Soon, he would kill the nightmares forever. Patrick Thorne would die and the secrets with him. But the contractor hadn’t been punished enough yet. Before he finished, he’d ruin Thorne’s reputation, his livelihood, and destroy everything he loved most in the world.
Just as Thorne destroyed our lives. The man must die! Now!
Restless to escape its bonds the monster thrust knife-hot pain into his brain, but he wrestled it back into the shadows and locked it down. Retribution was almost at hand, but not tonight. This night was about her.
Where was she?
Congratulations Week 03-03-14 & 03-10-14 Giveaway Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 03-03-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with MAGGIE MAE GALLAGHER!!
Giveaway: Maggie Mae will give away a signed print (U.S. only) copy of her book, ANOINTED to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, Maggie Mae, for sharing your stories with us!!
WINNER!! KATE LOCKRIDGE!!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with DEB JULIENNE!!
Giveaway: Deb will give away one paperback copy of SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES and a bookmark to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Thanks, Deb, for sharing your release and your fabulous cookie recipe with us!
WINNER!! SHERRY!!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 03-10-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with JONI HAHN!!
Giveaway: Joni will give away a signed copy of her book, AGENT l1: TRISTAN JACOBS to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs…a T-shirt with a book cover (winner’s choice) for a lucky reader who comments on her Thursday Book Bench blog…and a $15 Amazon gift card for a lucky reader who comments on her Saturday Book Bench blog!! Thanks, Joni, for sharing your stories with us!
WINNER of copy of AGENT l1: TRISTAN JACOBS!! JAN K!!
WINNER of book cover T-shirt!! bn100!!
WINNER $15 Amazon Gift Card!! KAREN ORIGER-GRECO!!
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All winners are chosen at random using random.org.
Thanks for stopping by Karen’s Killer Book Bench.
Happy Reading!!
March 16, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Caroline Clemmons
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with CAROLINE CLEMMONS
Editorial Note: Welcome to today’s **Author Peek** where I interview authors so that we can find out a little more about them and their books. Be sure to come back for Karen’s Killer Book Bench on Wednesdays to get a special Sneak Peek into these fabulous authors’ books, including excerpts and giveaways!
INTRODUCING…CAROLINE CLEMMONS!
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.
Karen, I’m fortunate to write full time, the best job in the world! Other than spending time with my family, hobbies include reading, painting, antiquing, and travel.
I also enjoy geneaology and have almost completed a third family book. The first was for my mother-in-law at her request. Of course, then I had to do one for my mom. My brother and I are finishing a much larger and involved book on our dad’s family and lateral lines that took us years to complete.
1. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
Most of the time I write historical western romances that include murder. To mix it up, I also write contemporary western romance, time travel, and have written two mysteries. This year, I’m splitting my writing between contemporary and historical.
2. What’s your favorite beverage?
Cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper. I also like cherry limes. The few alcoholic beverages I drink are white wine, margaritas, and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
3. If you had to listen to one song over and over again for a whole day, what would it be?
Hard one. Something by Mozart or Bach played by classical guitar. According to Dr. Don Campbell, listening to Mozart has many benefits that include increasing intelligence (I can use that) and physical and emotional healing. Supposedly, it also adds rhythm to your writing.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
Many authors agree the hardest part of being an author is marketing. All I want to do is write, but I do want people to read my books. So, I promote my work.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why ?
We just moved and downsized to a house a third the size of our previous one. What a horrendous job! I don’t think I’d go through another move for anything. I love where I live even though I hate the summers here in North Central Texas. Now, if someone were to pack and unpack for me, that might be different, but I don’t think so. We’re near our kids and my BFFs.
6. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
Everyone in our family is an avid reader. My choices are an eclectic mix of well written books. Easier to tell you what I never read than what I do: Never horror, straight science fiction, or true crime.
7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
I could give Bobbye Terry’s answer, which is from a small factory in Ohio. Fortunately, I’m happy to say they just arrive unbidden. A news article, something on TV, conversations, talking with critique partners or my husband. When I first started writing back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I feared I would run out of ideas. Now I have so many that I’ll live to be at least 200 to use them all and more come every week.
8. Tell me about your ideal reader.
Someone who allows him/herself to fall into the story, love the characters and wants to see them reappear as secondary characters in another book – which means a future sale.
9. How did you get started writing?
That’s an unusual story. My mother-in-law, who never quite approved of me, brought me a grocery bag of romance novels. I used to write each of our moms long, long letters including anecdotes from our life since the last letter. My mil said my letters convinced her I could write romance novels. My writing until that time had been for newspapers/newsletters, and I was surprised. I read several of the books and decided I could do it. Ha, isn’t as easy as reading the novels, is it? My first try was sad. But I joined a local RWA chapter where I heard craft workshops. I persevered.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
My next release is GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaid series. Readers have been very complimentary of the Kincaids and have asked for more books about that family. I love the Kincaids, too. The book is just out.
Gabe is a Kincaid cousin who hates lies and liars with good cause. He left his home in Austin after his fiancée cheated on him with his brother. In Kincaid Springs, Gabe is an attorney. His client in this book is Kathryn Elizabeth Worthington, masquerading as Shimza, Marharani of the East, (the circus fortune teller) to escape the clutches of the men who murdered her grandfather and would like to do the same to her. She’s dyed her dark red hair black and gives a false name. When a local man is found murdered at the circus, all evidence points to Katie. As defense attorney, Gabe must prove her innocent while protecting her from the men who seek to kill her.
Early next month, GABE KINCAID, Kincaids Book 4, will be available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in print and electronic download and as a download form from Kobo and iTunes. In the meantime, THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, Kincaids Book 3, is available in print and online.
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Caroline and her novel, GABE KINCAID (Kincaids Book 4), on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
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Links to Caroline’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website http://carolineclemmons.com
Blog http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmo...
Team blogs http://smartgirlsreadromance.blogspot... 2 nd of each month
http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com 20th of each month
http://cowboykisses.blogspot.com 4 th Monday of each month
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolineClem...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline)
Shelfari:
http://www.shelfari.com/caroline_clem...
Goodreads: 20https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caroclemmons/
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/CClemmons
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Caroline will give away a $10 gift card to either Amazon, B&N, or Kobo (winner’s choice) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Caroline, for sharing your stories with us!
March 14, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Agent T3: d-Artagnan by Joni Hahn
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!
TRIPLE TREAT WEEK!!
AGENT T3: d-ARTAGNAN (The D.I.R.E. Agency)
By JONI HAHN
Book Blurb
*
Agent T3: d-Artagnan Naylor
Credentials:
Rebel son of Former Navy SEAL
Trained under his father
Enhancements:
Time Travel
d’Artagnan (Dar) Naylor: trained by the best, disciplined by the toughest, and raised by the vilest – his father. He bought into Robert Naylor’s life of crime, until he learned the reasons behind it.
Now, he possesses enhancements installed by The D.I.R.E. Agency – an organization he once called enemy. He has to stop the traitors from the past before they destroy the future. And, despite what they say, his decision has nothing whatsoever to do with retro beauty, Jocelyn Chalmers.
Jocelyn wakes up in the future without a memory. All she’s certain of is the fear in her gut and her blinding attraction to gorgeous, protective D.I.R.E. agent, d’Artagnan Naylor.
When close quarters prove too much for their passionate hunger, Dar knows his future is destined for hard decisions. Once Jocelyn’s memory returns, she begs Dar to return to the year nineteen forty-four and save the world.
Yet, to change the past, changed the future. How can they be certain of the consequences of his actions? How can he return her to the past where she belongs after all they’ve shared?
Turbulent times come to a head when the past sends its own version of destruction to the future in the midst of long-awaited retribution.
Can Dar escape his past to save the future? Or, does fate have its own reckoning in mind?
~~~~~
AGENT T3: d-ARTAGNAN (The D.I.R.E Agency) by JONI HAHN
EXCERPT
“I thought I’d seen the last of this damned hospital.”
Dar walked beside Tristan in the third floor corridor of Creekmore General. Mitchell had stopped at the nurse’s station to ask of Brentwood’s whereabouts while they went to find Jocelyn Chalmers.
“If Rachel and I have kids down the road, we’ll expect you to be here for the deliveries. Get used to the place.”
“Kids? You mean we’ll have mini-teleporters running around? Babysitting could get interesting if the kids turn invisible at will.”
Laughing, they came up on Jocelyn’s room. Kids. Damn. He couldn’t imagine having children. He’d never met a woman-
Someone blindsided him in the doorway, knocking him into Tristan.
“Help me, please. They’re coming.”
A tiny, petite woman shook him. Her dark, nearly black eyes were wide with fright, her hands shaking where they clutched his biceps. Dark bruises covered the left side of her face and circled her eye, with a mishmash of scratches marring her forehead and nose. She had a split upper lip and a chin scraped and dotted with blood.
The injuries disgusted Dar, anger pumping through his veins like a hydrant. Yet, even disfigured, her beauty stunned him. The woman was freaking hot.
Shoving her behind him, he looked inside the room.
Empty.
Holding his arm in a vice grip, she peeked around him, her breath coming in short spurts. “Are they here?”
Looking over his shoulder, he met her fearful gaze. “No, you’re safe.”
She shook her head vigorously. “No. I’m not. They’re coming.”
“Who? Who’s after you?”
Stilling, her eyes searched his face with frantic movements – before she passed out.
“Shit.”
Catching her, Dar lifted her into his arms. The woman weighed no more than a pillow. He carried her to the hospital bed.
“Jocelyn Chalmers, I assume?”
Tristan followed him inside. “Yes. Damn, that car really did some damage.” He went to the opposite side of the bed.
Dar pulled up the covers to her chin. “She’s terrified of someone, isn’t she?”
“Hell Naylor, we saw them hold a gun to her head that night in the electronics store. When Monroe time traveled to the past, she asked him to bring her back.”
“She rode in that time machine with those bastards?”
Tristan nodded with a cocked brow. “Yeah. Ballsy, huh?”
A fierce, protective streak filled Dar. He wanted Tristan to teleport him back to D.I.R.E. so he could help Mitchell interrogate the spy they’d captured last night. He’d show the guy some freaking fear.
Mitchell strode into the room and motioned for them to step away from the bed.
He lowered his voice. “Brentwood said she has hysterical amnesia. She has no memories before the hospital. She doesn’t even know her own name.”
“Her subconscious remembers,” Dar said. “A minute ago, she tore out of the room, terrified.”
Mitchell stared at her still form. “Other than her concussion, she’s got a boatload of cuts and bruises, and a sprained elbow. She’s a tough cookie.”
Jocelyn didn’t look so tough to him. Right now, she looked completely vulnerable, like a little girl lying in a bed too big for her.
“So, are you transferring her to D.I.R.E?” Dar really didn’t want her near that spy.
“No, I’ll leave her here for now and send down a couple of agents to guard the room.”
Dar crossed his arms in front of him. “I’ll stay.”
Tristan’s gaze shot to him. “You just said you hated this place.”
He frowned at his brother. “I’m not leaving her alone.”
“She wouldn’t be alone, Naylor,” Mitchell said. “Did you miss the part about the two agents?”
“No. I’m not leaving her alone.”
Tristan smothered a grin.
Mitchell shook his head. “Don’t even go there, Naylor.”
He flipped out a hand, palm up. “Where?”
Mitchell pointed at Jocelyn. “There. Way too many complications.”
Jocelyn sat bolt upright, gasping for breath. Her dark, wild gaze searched the room before zeroing in on Dar. Twin tears trailed down her flush cheeks. “Help me.”
Dar rushed to the bed, his gut clenched in a tight knot. Dammit, the woman was petrified.
He helped her lay back. “I’m here. You’re safe. Go back to sleep.” He pulled up the covers again and sat beside her.
Teardrops hung on her long lashes. “You won’t leave?”
His heart constricted like a stress ball. “No. Now sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
She fell fast asleep, snoring lightly.
Why had she fixated on him? Why, in her nightmarish state, had she turned to him, the only criminal in the room, for safety?
Did it matter? If he could help this beautiful, confused woman from the past, he’d do it. The idea that she needed him appealed to Dar on a level he’d never traversed before.
He looked back at Mitchell. “I’m already there, Mitchell, and have nowhere else to go.
Meet Joni Hahn….
By day, Joni Hahn keeps her secret decoder ring hidden while she works as a mild-mannered HR manager and accounting generalist. She believes the world can never have too many superheroes, and anxiously waits for the call when one will need help saving the world…or getting into his costume. Joni was born with a hopelessly tender heart and believes there is nothing on earth more exhilarating than falling in love (Other than the rear shot of Chris Evans in The Avengers – that was pretty darn exhilarating). A native Texan, she thinks cowboys are the epitome of masculinity, and that country music is the other soul music.
Joni’s three-book superhero romance trilogy, The D.I.R.E. Agency, is available now. Look for Books 4 and 5 in the Series, Agent M4: Riordan and Agent S6: Jaydan coming in 2014.
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Links to Joni’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://jonihahn.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sophiegreysontx
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jonihahnauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jonihahnauthor/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HB81FPS
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Joni will give away a signed copy of her book, AGENT l1: TRISTAN JACOBS to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs…a T-shirt with a book cover (winner’s choice) for a lucky reader who comments on her Thursday Book Bench blog…and a $15 Amazon gift card for a lucky reader who comments on her Saturday Book Bench blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Joni, for sharing your stories with us!
March 13, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Sabrina Sims McAfee
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SABRINA SIMS McAFEE!
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, SABRINA SIMS McAFEE , and her favorite recipe for SABRINA’S SEAFOOD SALAD!
TIME TO DIE by SABRINA SIMS McAFEE
Book Blurb
Tick Tock! The Killing Begins
A vicious serial killer is murdering wealthy elite men in the thriving city of Miami, when suddenly, the deranged killer sets his eye on his first female victim—SERGEANT GINGER McCORMICK.
Being on Probation Sucks
Internal Affairs of Miami Police Department (MPD) is monitoring GINGER’s every move, causing her to have many sleepless nights. Just when she feels she’ll never get the promotion she’s worked so hard for, she receives a chilling phone call. The Chief regretfully tells her a prominent business tycoon has been found hung in his million dollar estate and she’s assigned to the high profile case.
Turn Up the Heat
Retired Army Officer GRAYLIN GRAINGER returns home after battling in a disastrous war. Haunted by his mother’s death, he’s eager to open his own private investigation firm to assist him with capturing her killer. But his focus changes when he finds his uncle murdered in his home, and he becomes the prime suspect.
The Plot Thickens
As Ginger races against time to find the killer she finds herself in a whirlwind affair with Graylin, the only man she’s ever loved. Problem is—evidence suggest he’s the killer!
An Interview with Sergeant, Ginger McCormick:
Hi. My name is Ginger. If you have a little time, I’d like to tell you a little about myself. Okay, so I’ve already said my name is Ginger, but my close friends and cop buddies call me Storm. My ex-partner, Homicide Detective, Skitch, gave me the nickname Storm after I caught a ruthless killer during a hellified rainstorm in Miami, FL. That was one of the happiest days of my life. But…
Right after I captured Nancy Kingston’s murderer, my ex-boyfriend did something horrible that landed me on probation. Sigh. Sigh. And just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, my best friend husband got murdered, and my new man is the number one suspect. Sweet Jesus! This is so much to handle until I can hardly tell the story.
If you think your head is hurting from reading about my jacked up life, just think about how my head is feeling. Will someone please bring me a cup of coffee with an extra shot and some Excedrin? Well, other than being somewhat of a Tomboy with a high sex drive and loving my job, there’s not much else to tell. Thanks for listening to my story. It helps to vent at times.
Until we meet again, I’m off to catch a ruthless killer lurking the streets of Miami. With a hard slap to my forehead, I’m praying the killer isn’t who I think it is—my new man—hot, Graylin Grainger. Right now, he’s looking guilty!
An Interview with Graylin Grainger:
I’m not the interviewing type and prefer not to talk about myself, so I’m going to cut straight to the chase. Favorite food: Steak. Favorite Hobby: Watching football. Favorite pastime: Use to be women until I reunited with the only woman I’ve ever loved, Ginger.
Speaking of Ginger, it hurts like hell knowing she suspects me of killing several wealthy men in the city of Miami. Is it possible that I did it and can’t remember? Jesus Christ! I hope not.
Just because I’m the beneficiary on a life policy worth millions doesn’t mean squat. In fact so what? Okay yes, I was at the crime scene when the cops burst in. Okay, yes I did do that too. Just stop already. You’re right, I look guilty. This interview is over. Snarling, thanks and um…Goodbye.
TIME TO DIE by SABRINA SIMS McAFEE
EXCERPT
Ginger’s silky, red hair paraded down her back in a low ponytail. The skin on her face looked smooth and free of any blemishes. And although she had on a dark navy pants suit, Graylin had gotten a glimpse of her tight butt when she’d turned around earlier. Any man would be lucky to have her. Only a fool like him would let a woman with Ginger’s qualities get away.
Even after many years, Ginger held a special place in his heart. “I never imagined to see you here. When I’d heard a while back that you were a police officer, I was shocked.”
She slightly tilted her head and looked up at him with those beautiful hazel eyes he’d missed over the years. “My career choice shouldn’t have surprised you. My father is a retired cop, and both of my brothers are officers.”
“True. True. But as pretty as you are, I guess I just always imagined you’d be a model, an actress, or run a boutique or something. And with your brains, I imagined you as an executive running a Fortune 100 company.”
Her lips curved into a soft smile. “Thanks for the compliment, but none of that stuff interests me. Putting away the bad guys does.”
“Do you think I’m a bad guy?” he asked, still blown away by this entire nightmare.
“If you’re asking if I think you killed your uncle, my hunch tells me no. But I still have to complete the investigation before I can be certain. I’m going to get your things from booking, and I’ll be right back.” Just as she reached for the door, Graylin gently grabbed her elbow.
She turned to face him. “I didn’t do it, Ginger.”
Her astounding beauty radiated. “Well then, you have nothing to worry about.”
Purchase Link:
Amazon
About the author, Sabrina Sims McAfee….
Sabrina Sims McAfee is your writer of women’s fiction, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance. She loves writing about alpha males, sexy strong women, and the adventurous journeys they travel. She’s lived in Florida for most of her life, but now is a current resident of Myrtle Beach, SC. In her leisure she likes spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.
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Links to Sabrina’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: www.sabrinasimsmcafee.com
Purchase Link:
Amazon
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Sabrina is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 134 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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SABRINA’S SEAFOOD SALAD-yum, oh, yum
8 oz of canned crabmeat
8 oz of Elbow macaroni (cook according to instructions)
1lb of medium cooked salad shrimp
3 boiled eggs-mash with a fork or use chopper
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 small green pepper (optional) finely chopped
½ cup of mayo or more if you like it moister
1 dash of mustard
Sprinkle a little of the following to your liking: (add or delete as you please)
Hot sauce
cayenne pepper
onion powder
garlic powder
accent
seasoning salt
Mix all ingredients into a big bowl
Place ingredients in a square or rectangular container
Sprinkle the top with paprika to make it look real pretty and appetizing
Refrigerate until nice and cold. This is a great side dish.
Enjoy!
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