Angel Sefer's Blog, page 23

New Release: 9 Novels of Love for only 99 Cents!

I’m so excited that eight very talented authors joined forces with me to create the awesome Many Faces of Love Collection that includes 9 novels of heartbreak, passion, true love, and everything in between.
The following novels are included in this ebook collection:
Arielle Immortal Passion by Lilian Roberts
Another Tomorrow by Julie Farley
Between Heartbreak and Happiness by Sarka-Jonae Miller
Flirting with Magick by Leigh Bennett
The Heiress of Santorini by Angel Sefer
Is this what I want? By Patricia Mann
The Passion Thief by Anne McCarthy Strauss
Rydin’ the Storm Out by PJ Fiala
Trigger by Jill Meengs

My Reviews of the novels included in the collection

Besides The Heiress of Santorini—my third novel in The Greek Isles Series—I’ve read every single one of the other novels and loved them. Here are my reviews for some of the books included:



My review of Arielle Immortal Passion:“The Immortal Rapture series is getting better and better. Lilian Roberts has a wonderful writing style. The story characters are vibrant and very likable. Roberts intertwines the story in a very smart way that keeps you eager for the outcome all the way to the last page.

Romance, friendship, mystery, excitement, and fear mingle throughout every book in this exciting paranormal romance series. Very intriguing!!!”


My review of The Passion Thief:“There are millions of women who would love to be married to Stan Boomer, a solid, kind executive with wealth and financial security. Unfortunately, after 23 years of marriage, it’s Stan’s wife Betty who is questioning the marriage. Although she is a globe-trotting journalist, she is bored. International assignments, the finest food and wine, and even a fling with her college boyfriend don’t give this woman what she’s seeking.

In truth, I found Betty so self-centered and me-oriented, I would have put the book down if it weren’t for the great story telling. I’m glad I stayed around. As the book delves into the demons that drive Betty to do what she does, a whole new character emerges. The choice she makes to change her ways is surprising and encouraging.

Stay with The Passion Thief. It won’t disappoint you, and you may learn more than you expected.”


My review of Trigger:“Trigger by Jill Meengs is a fascinating novel with a fast paced, interesting plot, exciting characters, and amazing locations.
Jordan Shaw is a strong, independent young woman, with a special ‘gift’. Her story of becoming the target of a dangerous, international organization while traveling around Europe with her best friend grabbed my attention right from the start.

While in this mess, the only one she could turn to for help was intriguing Chase Hudson. However, trusting Chase was another story.

I enjoyed every page of this novel, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.”


Praise for the Authors

I’m sure you’ll love the books as well. But don’t take my word for it. Here are some of thepraises for the authors:

“Lilian Roberts has an almost poetic way of writing… There was this lovely flowing way about the words that I haven’t seen in sometime. This book is definite MUST read and you don’t have to love paranormal stories to read it.” - Joe Cool Review

"Julie is a beautiful writer with a warm heart and this is evident from page one of book one and it flowed through to Another Tomorrow." - Whairigail Adams, All Things Books

“In this honest and thoughtful exploration of a marriage coming undone, author Patricia Mann offers no easy solutions. Instead she takes us into the heart of what love and family is all about and reminds us there is no one-size fits all. A thoroughly satisfying read." - Eileen Goudge, New York Times Bestselling Author

"This novel was very daring, dashed with forbidden romances and served with a great amount of hatred, revenge, and regrets...  Sefer entertains the readers with a series of entanglements that gives the novel a chilly air of suspense. She shocks the readers with the cruelty of the acts of violence that occur within supposedly bold Greek families where pride, tradition, and legacy is revered. The message on forgiveness and maintain strong family bonds despite conflict and tragedy is what really makes the novel spectacular and heartwarming." - San Francisco Book Review

"The Passion Thief is an excellent story of finding one's self amidst the chaos of life. As we age, for women in particular, all of the variables in life that are beyond our control seem to culminate, leaving us to question where our priorities lie. While it is a work of fiction, the book is a testament to that. If anything, the book serves as a cautionary tale that the grass is not always greener on the other side." - San Francisco Book Review

"Meengs has a descriptive yet eloquent style that illuminates the adventures of the characters in Trigger... there is just enough clandestine spy, European romance, mystery and self-discovery to make Trigger a very intriguing read." - Christina B. Steele, Readers' Favorite

The Many Faces of Love  is an awesome collection of complete novels—not just short stories—at a price you can’t beat: only 99cents! What a bargain!
Check it out here:

Amazon

"So we turn the pages... We are anticipating, predicting, beginning to formulate questions in our minds that will enhance our enjoyment of reading this book..."

A wonderful 5-star review by Professor Thomas Baker for Dark Shadows of the Past:

Reviewed by Thomas Jerome Baker
Author of Pecha Kucha & English Language Teaching
This book, Dark Shadows Of The Past, by Angel Sefer, has garnered high praise from those who have read this book and others in Sefer’s Greek Isles Series. The series is extremely well crafted, with an interdisciplinary team that has come together to produce a superior product. Below you will find a visual example of the universal, across the board, great cover artwork that Sefer’s team has tastefully created for her books. Each cover stands on its own merits as a genuine work of art.
But what about the book? Is what you find between the covers any good? To answer that question, let’s take a look at the opening to Dark Shadows Of The Past. The key question here is whether or not you are enticed, drawn in, unable to resist turning the pages:
(Quote) CHRISTINA OPENED HER EYES and looked around, startled. Where am I? She was lying on a freezing, hard surface, surrounded by spine-chilling darkness… A frosty wave of fear washed over her, making her shudder. She peered through the eerie shadows while trying to track any noise, but nothing… Dead silence. Her senses worked overtime. Oh, my God! What happened to me? She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot right through her head. A moan escaped her lips, and she instinctively shut her eyes. I need to move… I need to get up, she thought, but her body wouldn’t respond. Shivering, cold, and immobilized, she screamed with all the strength she could muster, but the sound that came out of her mouth was no louder than a whisper. She drew a deep breath, trying to calm down the thundering of her heart. Think, girl! Think! What happened? Where am I? How long have I been here? Creepy thoughts and questions bombarded her mind, but it had gone completely blank. I’m going to die… Tears welled up in her eyes, as she lay there helpless and defeated. (end of quote)
Firstly, I like the silent scream. Horror, we are told by behavioural psychologists, sometimes produces that effect. It’s a disconnect between the organs of speech and the brain, indicative of great psychological shock. Basically, we are beginning to withdraw into ourselves in order to process the horror we are exposed to. And what can be more horrifying, than waking up, and not knowing where you are? Christina doesn’t have a clue, and moreover, she seems to have suffered some form of paralysis.
So, yes, any reader who has opened this book, must now begin to turn the pages. There is no other alternative, unless of course, you really don’t care to find out what has happened to Christina. But if that were the case, why did you even bother to pick this book up in the first place?
Not only are we curious, but we already have begun to bond with Christina, our protagonist. Our minds race as we consider a multitude of possibilities that may have already happened to this poor woman. The male reader has begun to feel protective towards her. The female reader is beginning to think about how this might play out going forward. How can we explain Christina’s plight?
So we turn the pages. We go forward. Forward. We are anticipating, predicting, beginning to formulate questions in our minds that will enhance our enjoyment of reading this book. The author’s choice to use an omniscient narrative style will keep us close, intimately close, to our protagonist throughout the book. Whatever happens to her, will also happen to us. Author Sefer has successfully drawn us in to this story. Therefore, we can fairly describe this book, literally and metaphorically, as a “Page Turner.” Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Thomas Jerome Baker
Author of Pecha Kucha & English Language Teaching
Read the review on profesorbaker.wordpress.com

"An exhilarating ride of stunning locations and constant twists and turns" 5 Stars

An amazing review by talented author Effrosyni Moschoudi for Dark Shadows of the Past:

This book is my favorite by Angel Sefer so far. It takes the reader on an exhilarating ride and I couldn’t put it down. Through an intricate web of guilty secrets, lust, danger and heartache, Christina and Dan keep separating and reuniting again, their love and trust towards each other being tested throughout. Angel Sefer has grown immensely as a writer since publishing the first book in the series. The writing in this volume is superb and it took my breath away. I am amazed at this author’s capability to create such fast-faced, riveting reads. Also, her choices of setting remain as stunning as always. I loved that the story took me as a reader to so many different enchanting locations, the island of Kefalonia being the precious jewel that’s suitably introduced at the riveting climax. Although this is a series, each book can be read as a standalone. I am still going through them and can’t wait to start the next one now.My rating:5 starsAn exhilarating ride of stunning locations and constant twists and turns Do you enjoy romantic mysteries and riveting adventures with sizzling sexual tension between the protagonists? Angel Sefer’s Greek Isles Series will delight you. Dark Shadows of the Past is a great choice! Read the review on effrosyniwrites.com

Read the review on Amazon

Excerpt from Mystery Thriller Romance Lethal Web of Passion - Chapter Three Part Two

Read Chapter One Part One here

Read Chapter One Part Two here

Read Chapter One Part Three here

Read Chapter Two Part One here

Read Chapter Two Part Two here

Read Chapter Two Part Three here

Read Chapter Three Part One here



Chapter Three
Part Two
The Jeep stopped abruptly in front of the marble steps, and the front door swung open. A tall, striking man stepped outside. He wore white pants and a dark blue polo shirt. His chestnut hair shined in the bright sunlight.Eleanna couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Is that him? Is that Stephanos Ioannou? Something about him and the arrogant, panther-like way he moved his muscular body persuaded her that this was her host. Even though he appeared to be in his late twenties to early thirties—a lot younger than what Eleanna had anticipated—he seemed in control of everything around him.She climbed out of the Jeep and followed Andreas up the front steps. Coming close to Stephanos, she finally saw his eyes—dark blue, the color of the Aegean. His spellbinding gaze made Eleanna’s knees feel shaky. In a flash, his strong arms wrapped around her waist and supported her, right before she hit the floor.Feeling dizzy, her eyes flew shut, as he effortlessly swept her off her feet and carried her inside.“Is she all right?” Eleanna heard Andreas’s voice coming from somewhere in the back.“She’s probably exhausted from the flight,” a masculine voice responded. It had a slight Greek accent. “Call Maria to bring her some water.”Eleanna felt the man carefully placing her down, and she sank blissfully into a soft leather couch. Leaning her head against the back of it, she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was a flawless face, with amazing blue eyes staring at her, a strong jaw depicting determination, and sumptuous lips begging to be kissed.“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, infuriated with herself. Some first impression she’d made, collapsing the moment she’d stepped foot on the island.“It’s okay,” he reassured her, grabbing her hand and rubbing it with both of his. “You’re probably exhausted from the flight and the heat.”Eleanna stared at him, unable to break the spell of his gaze while his hands sent heat waves throughout her body.Grab a hold of yourself. Drawing a deep breath, she pulled her hand away from his scorching touch, straightened her back and sat upright.At that moment, an older lady with a crisp white apron walked into the room and handed Eleanna a glass of water. Eleanna drowned it, licking the last drops of water from the corners of her lips. Stephanos’s eyes roamed all over her face and down to the rest of her body. Eleanna bit her lower lip and breathed, feeling a dire need for another glass of water.“Are you feeling any better?” Andreas’s voice startled her.“Yes, thank you,” she lied, without taking her eyes off her host. No, I’m not feeling any better. As a matter of fact, I’m feeling a lot worse seeing whom I have to deal with. He seems strong and controlling and so darn good looking.“I’m Stephanos Ioannou,” the man said. “Would you like something else, Miss Welsh?” His tone was polite, but the look in his eyes was savage.Yes, I’d like a piece of you! she screamed inwardly, shocked to realize that she was visualizing him ravishing her body. What the hell is wrong with me? she wondered and shook her head to clear away those deliciously simmering fantasies. It must be an adrenaline rush from anxiety and fear, she reasoned. It can’t be anything else. I hardly know the man.“Maria, please show Miss Welsh to her bedroom,” Stephanos said.“Yes, sir,” Maria responded politely. “Would you like some help to get up, Miss Welsh?” She leaned forward to offer Eleanna her hand.“No, thank you,” Eleannaresponded, rising to her feet. Still a little dizzy, she closed her eyes. She opened them again and felt a lot better.“I’ll come with you,” Andreas offered and followed right after them as Maria led Eleanna upstairs to the second floor.Climbing the huge round staircase, Eleanna couldn’t help but admire the magnificent chandelier that dominated the foyer. As the bright August sun penetrated through huge Vitro windows and illuminated the area, an incredible spectrum of light reflected through countless crystal pieces.Arriving on the second floor, they padded down a wide corridor with carpet the color of red wine. Beautiful nature paintings hung on both sides. Maria led them past several doors and stopped in front of one at the far end, next to a huge bay window overlooking a magnificently kept yard.“Here we are,” she said. She pushed the door open, stepping aside for Eleanna to enter first.The enormous bedroom had cherry wood furniture and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows. The bedcover and the curtains were a beautiful peach color—Eleanna’s favorite—with some strokes of forest green. Thick cream-colored carpet smothered every sound.“What do you think?” Andreas asked.“It’s amazing,” she admitted.“This entire house is amazing,” he agreed. “I’ve been here for three years now and still can’t get used to it.”Feeling a cool breeze on her face, Eleanna marched toward the open French doors. She stepped outside on a beautiful round balcony overlooking a magnificent kidney-shaped pool. Manicured gardens rolled all the way from the pool down the hillside and onto the private cove she’d seen as they approached. The emerald waters took her breath away. Oh, how she wished she could be down there right now, swimming in those amazingly inviting waters. But she wasn’t here on vacation, she reprimanded herself. She had a specific purpose, and she had to stick to it if she wanted to make it out of here alive.“I’ll let you get settled,” Andreas said, appearing at the French doors.“Yes, thank you,” she whispered and turned her gaze to him, half-closing her lashes to protect her eyes from the bright sunshine.She watched him draw a deep breath, and she smothered a laugh, well aware of what that seductive look of hers could do to men. He was obviously affected by her presence. Otherwise, why follow her around like that? Maybe his boss ordered him to keep an eye on me,she reasoned. But then again, she could feel that there was a lot more than that.She watched as Andreas left the room and closed the bedroom door behind him. Eleanna stood outside, breathing deeply and enjoying the warm caress of the sun on her face and bare arms. No matter what danger this place had in store for her, she had to admit it was paradise.“Your clothes are all hanging in the closet,” Maria said, appearing at the French doors. “I’ll prepare you a bath if you want me to.”“No, I’m fine,” Eleanna responded, eager to be left alone. “I appreciate your offer, but I can take care of myself.”“So you think,” Maria’s whispering comment in Greek shook her to the core.“What did you say?” Eleanna asked in English. She had no intention of letting anyone know she was fluent in Greek.“Nothing,” Maria lied. “If you need anything, just press that.” She pointed to a button on the wall next to the bed.Eleanna watched as Maria left the room and closed the door behind her. Only then she let out the deep breath she was holding. What the hell was that all about? What did the maid mean by that? And what does she know about me and the reason I’m here?Puzzled, she sat at the edge of her bed, feeling her body sinking into the comfortable mattress. I have to be very careful, she cautioned herself for yet another time. Eleanna was no fool—she knew that staying at the mansion probably wasn’t safe for her, but she had no choice. By staying here, she’d get the chance to snoop around and find some clues about her father’s life and why he was murdered—a chance she wouldn’t get at a hotel. Because Eleanna was almost sure that his death was no accident.Pulling her carry-on onto the bed, she opened it and took out her little diary. Carefully, she went over her notes, recorded in her own encrypted writing. Maybe I’m being paranoid, she reprimanded herself, thinking of the extent she’d gone to, to conceal some aspects of her life. Then again, better to be safe than sorry. The possibility of someone stealing her diary and reading her notes couldn’t be eliminated. And she certainly didn’t want her host to know that she wasn’t here to inspect her inheritance and decide whether to sell or not. Even after having seen how spectacular this place was, her main priority was to find out more about her father’s life on the island and the circumstances of his death. And at this point, she didn’t know whom to trust. She had to take every precaution to remain alive while pursuing her goal.Having done her homework, she knew where she had to go to get what she wanted. She wished she could have brought her gun, a 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P Shield—a lightweight, sleek, and slim pistol, ideal for concealed carry. Then again, there was no way she could have made it through airport security. No, she had to get another one here—and thanks to Bobbie Downs she knew precisely where to go. Bobbie was a man she’d met through her martial arts instructor, who had connections in Greece. He’d put Eleanna in touch with his friend Alex Matias, who lived in Athens. Alex gave her the name of Joseph Markou—a man on Skopelos who could provide her with a gun and anything else she might need—no questions asked.I’ll take care of the gun later, she decided. For now, I need a bath and some relaxation to clear my mind. The almost–fainting incident before wasn’t something common for her. Then again, it might prove to her advantage to appear weak and fragile.Her thoughts flew to her seductive host. Damn! Why in the hell did he have to be so hot? Couldn’t he be a middle-aged man with a round face and a big beer belly? She would be able to handle that a lot better than having to control her accelerated heartbeat every time she stared at Stephanos’s sinfully handsome body and breathtaking blue eyes. It doesn’t matter what he looks like. If he has anything to do with what happened to my family, I’ll take him down.


Come back next Friday to find out what happens next...

If you can't wait, the book is available at:
Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Excerpt from Mystery Thriller Romance Lethal Web of Passion - Chapter Three Part One

Read Chapter One Part One here

Read Chapter One Part Two here

Read Chapter One Part Three here

Read Chapter Two Part One here

Read Chapter Two Part Two here

Read Chapter Two Part Three here



Chapter Three
Part One

Andreas climbed into the limo next to Eleanna and gave her a warm smile.“I apologize for my reaction back there,” he said. Eleanna glanced at him inquiringly. “I was startled to see you because you look exactly like a lady I used to know.”“Really?” Eleanna wasn’t paying that much attention. She had too much on her mind to worry about what Andreas was saying.“Yes,” he confirmed. “You could have been her twin sister.”Something in his tone triggered her curiosity—was it sadness, regret, or something else? Besides, the word twin sister struck a sensitive chord deep inside her. “And where is that lady now?” she asked, searching his face.“She’s dead,” he replied flatly, staring out the window as the limo took off.“Oh, I’m sorry. Was it due to an accident or sickness?”“Neither.”Eleanna stared at him, puzzled. What did he mean, neither? Andreas had said that the woman he knew looked exactly like Eleanna, so she assumed that they must have been around the same age. So dying out of old age was out of the question. Then how did she die?“Suicide,” he added a moment later.Eleanna drew a sharp breath. How sad, a young person taking her own life. “I’m sorry,” she whispered again, not knowing what else to say. “I feel sorry for her family. They must be devastated.”Andreas remained silent, so Eleanna turned her attention to the road as the limo flew down the highway.“Are we heading for Athens?” she asked.“No,” Andreas replied. “We’re heading to Koropi. From there, we’ll take the company’s helicopter to Skopelos.”“Koropi?” Eleanna had never heard the name before.“Yes,” Andreas explained. “Koropi is a small town in the Mesogia Region, very close to Athens and the airport. It has one of the best and most efficient helicopter fields in Greece.”“I see.” Eleanna felt a little disappointed that she wasn’t going to see Athens, after all.“We can visit Athens sometime later on,” Andreas pointed out, probably guessing her thoughts. “I believe you’re staying in Greece for a few days.”I’m staying for a lot longer than just a few days, Eleanna thought but remained silent.The limo turned into the helicopter field. They boarded a blue-and-white chopper while the limo driver stowed her luggage. She sank into a soft leather seat and fastened her seatbelt as Andreas did the same next to her.Apprehension washed over Eleanna as the powerful engine roared to life. Flying on a plane and a helicopter for the first time in her life, all on the same day, was more than she could handle.“Don’t worry,” Andreas reassured her, shouting to be heard over the loud noise of the engine. “Our company’s pilots are the best.”“I’m sure they are,” Eleanna mumbled to herself.The helicopter took off smoothly, and the pilot maneuvered it toward the open sea. Eleanna had to admit that Andreas was right. The pilot seemed experienced and efficient.The view of the sapphire sea, now much closer, and the beautiful necklace of islands spread across it, took her breath away.“There we are,” Andreas remarked half an hour later, pointing toward the island they were approaching. “This is Skopelos.”Eleanna let her eyes wander over the island’s lush pine and palm trees, scenic whitewashed villages, and exotic white-sand beaches. Oh, my God! This is paradise! She was instantly captivated by the place, which became world-famous when scenes from Mamma Mia were filmed there.“It’s breathtaking,” Eleanna admitted.“I know,” Andreas agreed. “I can never get over the beauty of this place.”“Are you from here?” she asked and was surprised to see him tense up. It was just a simple question. Why get agitated like that?“No,” he replied flatly and left it at that.Eleanna remained silent but couldn’t help but wonder why her inquiry had caused such a reaction. Well, I don’t want to talk about my birthplace, either, she thought. But then again, I have serious reasons… And probably, so does he. She peered at Andreas closely.The helicopter made a turn and lowered over a beautiful estate stretching for miles toward a secluded sandy beach. Eleanna drew a sharp breath. If there’s a heaven, then this is what it must look like. The sight of pine forests and olive groves juxtaposed with the sparkling blue sea left her mesmerized.“Welcome to Skopelos,” Andreas said. “Have you ever been here before?”Eleanna stared at him. Was this question just out of courtesy, or was there something more to it? Did he and his employer suspect that she might have visited her father on the island before?“No,” she replied and watched his reaction closely.“You’ll love the island,” he went on, not showing any signs that he might not believe her.It was probably a simple question. However, Eleanna decided to be very careful with him. He seemed nice, but, after all, he was Ioannou’s assistant.The chopper hovered over a small helicopter field at the highest point of the estate.“You have your own helicopter field?” she asked, impressed.“Yes, flying around for business we use the chopper a lot. Besides, many of our resort clients prefer to come to Skopelos by helicopter, instead of wasting time traveling by bus from Athens to Saint Constantinos’s port and then boarding a liner to Skiathos and Skopelos.”“Skiathos?”“Yes, Skiathos is the first island in the group of Northern Sporades that the ferry makes a stop at before it reaches Skopelos.”“I see,” Eleanna mumbled.A few minutes later, they landed, and the pilot turned off the engine. Eleanna remained in her seat until Andreas unbuckled his seatbelt and disembarked.“Come on,” he said, offering her his hand. A black Mercedes Jeep was waiting for them, and the driver took Eleanna’s luggage and put it in the trunk.She climbed inside, and Andreas sat next to her in the backseat. Driving downhill, she let her gaze wander over an amazing oasis of green. The paved driveway was shaded by rows of pine trees on both sides, mixed with walnut, fig, almond, plum, and many other kinds of fruit trees and flowering shrubbery in all shades. Driving around a curve, the sea of green was interrupted by a clearing dominated by a Greek Orthodox chapel.After that, the driveway went downward through an olive grove that seemed to stretch all the way to the shimmering waters of the Aegean.The resort’s impressive main building came into sight. Dozens of bungalows stretched from high uphill all the way down to the beach. Pink, red, and white oleander bushes were scattered everywhere while jasmine and bougainvillea climbed the walls of all the structures, creating an astonishing panorama.The Jeep took a turn on another paved road, and they started going uphill again, leaving the resort behind. After they’d reached the top, Eleanna drew a deep breath. A stunning two-story colonial with white pillars was nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens that rolled all the way down to a secluded cove.“Welcome to Angelina’s estate,” Andreas said.Eleanna shot him a startled look. Angelina? Her father would never name this place Angelina… Or would he? What’s going on here?

Come back next Friday to find out what happens next...

If you can't wait, the book is available at:
Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Excerpt from Mystery Thriller Romance Lethal Web of Passion - Chapter Two Part Three

Read Chapter One Part One here

Read Chapter One Part Two here

Read Chapter One Part Three here

Read Chapter Two Part One here

Read Chapter Two Part Two here


Chapter Two
Part Three

After Eleanna had taken her seat on the plane, she looked out the window. It was a cool day, and the sky was cloudy. The pilot announced that it was perfect weather for flying. She caught herself praying—something she hadn’t done in years. Anxious about flying? she mocked herself. The flight seemed rather trivial compared to what she had to face in Greece.“Afraid of flying?”Eleanna turned to face her seatmate, a young man with pale blue eyes and curly blond hair. “A little bit,” she admitted.“There’s nothing to worry about,” the man reassured her. “Flying is among the safest means of transportation…” His voice trailed off as Eleanna became lost in her thoughts.An associate of Mr. Lambert was going to meet her at the Athens International Airport, and arrangements had been made for her transportation to Skopelos. The attorney had advised her to spend the night in Athens, but Eleanna insisted on going to Skopelos right away. She didn’t want to postpone the confrontation with whoever was out there for any longer than she had to.As soon as they took off, the flight attendants served breakfast. Even though her stomach was upset, Eleanna tried to eat something. The coffee cake was delicious, and she ended up polishing it off. However, she didn’t touch anything else on the tray besides the coffee.Her neighbor tried to make conversation, but Eleanna’s mind was preoccupied, so he finally gave up.After a flight attendant had taken her tray, she opened her carry-on bag and pulled out a magazine, hoping to relax—no use. Gloomy thoughts and worries kept on whirling around in her mind, and she put the magazine down, frustrated.Who is Stephanos Ioannou? And what’s his real connection with everything that’s happened to my family? Is he just a partner, or is there something more to it? Deep down inside, she was sure there was more to it. Otherwise, why go to all this trouble to produce the fake letter from her father? And what about her father? What had he been up to all those years? Why didn’t he ever try to get in touch with them? And whatever happened to Mike? Was he still alive, and if so, where could he be all this time? So many unanswered questions.Lost in her thoughts, she was startled by a flight attendant asking her if she wanted some coffee.“Yes, please,” Eleanna replied, devastated by a roaring headache. She took the cup the lady offered her and looked outside, not seeing anything but frothy white clouds. “How much longer do we have?”“We’ll be landing in Athens in less than an hour,” the flight attendant replied. “Would you like something else?”“No, coffee is fine.”Thank God, Eleanna thought when she noticed that her neighbor was asleep. She wasn’t in the mood for conversation. Opening her purse, she took out her father’s letter and stared at it as if it could provide her with some answers.Putting the letter back in her purse, Eleanna stood up. Having the window seat, she carefully worked her way around her neighbor to go to the bathroom. After washing her face, she took her hairbrush out of her purse and brushed her hair. She wasn’t wearing any makeup and didn’t feel like putting any on. Examining her appearance, she noticed that her dark blue pants and light gray blouse were a little wrinkled. Well, there’s nothing I can do about it.She strode back to her seat, sat down, and fastened her seatbelt. Her heart was pounding wildly as mixed feelings of worry, anticipation, and excitement washed over her. After all, this would be the first time back to her homeland since she was a baby.She couldn’t wait to get off the plane. Taking a glimpse outside, she was stunned by the breathtaking view. The crystal-clear sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea sparkled like liquid gold. Eleanna stared in amazement as on their way to the mainland, they flew over numerous islands, scattered like little lilies in a pond. She couldn’t take her eyes from the window as the plane banked to the right, preparing to land at Athens International.Eleanna was one of the first passengers to disembark. Impressed by the airport’s award-winning huge, modern, and efficient facilities, she forgot her worries for a few minutes. That was until she walked through customs and stepped through the glass doors, looking for her escort.She immediately spotted a handsome young man with dark gray pants and a blue shirt, holding a sign in his left hand with her name on it.Pulling her suitcase and carry-on bag, she approached him and…stopped dead in her tracks as his gaze settled on her—his face had turned pale white, and his pupils had dilated.What’s wrong with him? Eleanna felt intensely uncomfortable under his suddenly petrified look.“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, a minute later. “Are you Miss Welsh?”“Yes.” Eleanna examined him carefully.“I’m Andreas Antoniou—the personal assistant of Mr. Ioannou.” Andreas lowered the sign and extended his right hand.“The assistant of Mr. Ioannou?” Eleanna asked. Why would the attorney have someone working for Ioannou come to pick her up? She was under the impression that Lambert was going to have an associate of his come get her and arrange for her transportation to Skopelos.“Are you taking me to the harbor?”“The harbor? Oh, no.” He hesitated. “We’re flying to Skopelos on the company’s helicopter.”“The company’s? What company?”“Midas International Corporation,” Andreas explained. “Mr. Ioannou’s company.”This isn’t going well. Eleanna didn’t feel good about depending on Ioannou right from the start. It was as if he wanted to control her every move.“I don’t want to cause any problems. I can take the ferry,” she pointed out.“There’s no need for that. I’m on my way to Skopelos, anyway, so it won’t be any problem at all.” Reaching over, he took her suitcase from her. “Shall we?” He walked toward the entrance of the terminal.Eleanna let out a deep breath and followed him, pulling her carry-on behind her.A black stretch limo was waiting for them right outside the entrance, and the driver held the back door open for Eleanna. Then he took her luggage and put it in the trunk.Andreas, in the meantime, had stepped aside and was now talking on his cell phone.Reporting to his boss, Eleanna thought anxiously, wondering what Ioannou would be like. No matter what, I’m here to get some answers, she thought stubbornly, and I’m going to get them one way or another…
***
“Has she arrived?” Stephanos asked, answering the phone.“Yes, she’s here,” Andreas replied.“Then bring her to the island.”“I will.”“What’s wrong?” Stephanos picked up a strange tone in his assistant’s voice. “Well?” he insisted after a moment of silence.“I need to tell you something,” Andreas said.“Well? Why the introduction? Go ahead and say it!” Stephanos burst out, unable to control his temper. This whole deal had him on edge.“You need to be prepared…”“Prepared for what?”“Eleanna is the spitting image of Christina.”Silence stretched over the line.“What do you mean by that?” Stephanos asked a moment later, feeling hollow in his stomach.“Stephanos, Eleanna looks exactly like Christina… And when I say exactly, I mean it. She could be her twin sister.”Stephanos took a deep breath, squeezing the phone in his hand as vivid images of his late wife flooded his mind.“Stephanos, are you okay?”“Yes, I’m okay,” Stephanos lied. Of course, he wasn’t okay—he hadn’t been ever since his late wife, Christina, had died a little over a year and a half ago.“Do you want me to take her to a hotel, to give you a few days to get used to the idea? Or if you want, I can take care of things. This way, you wouldn’t have to meet her at all.”“Bring her to me,” Stephanos ordered and hung up the phone.As if in a dream, Stephanos walked over to the window. He stared at the manicured gardens of the estate, which stretched all the way to the edge of a nearby cliff. A narrow path, carved into the stone, lead down to a private cove with a sandy beach abutting the emerald waters of the Aegean.He clenched his fists as Christina’s beautiful face appeared at the window staring back at him, provoking and mocking him at the same time.Stephanos drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to control his emotions. “When will you stop haunting me?” he yelled at her vision. He turned and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.



Come back next Friday to find out what happens next...
If you can't wait, the book is available at:
Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Venture Galleries has launched a series featuring writing samples from some of the best authors in the marketplace today

I'm thrilled and honored that The Heiress of Santorini is featured on Venture Galleries today.

Read the post on Venture Galleries

Review of I Can See You by Joss Landry - A gripping, paranormal suspense novel

 A gripping, paranormal suspense novel, January 5, 2016By AngelVerified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: I Can See You (Emma Willis Book 1) (Kindle Edition)This is one of those books that once you get started you just can’t put them down. I was totally smitten by Emma Willis—a smart and mature beyond her age, ten-year-old who has inherited from her grandmother a special gift of intuition and extraordinary abilities she is trying hard to master. Emma goes through hell trying to help police detective Hank Apple to find a serial killer of little girls. She proves to be braver than most adults, and her love, kindness, and willingness to put herself in danger in order to save others touches the lives of everyone around her.
This novel had it all: mystery, suspense, romance, and paranormal elements. The characters—from Emma, her parents, her grandmother, her aunt, her school teacher, and the detective to the serial killer—are multi-dimensional, well-developed, and compelling.
I think this book would make a great movie.
Read my review on Amazon

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads
Read an excerpt

Excerpt from Mystery Thriller Romance Lethal Web of Passion - Chapter Two Part Two

Read Chapter One Part One here

Read Chapter One Part Two here

Read Chapter One Part Three here

Read Chapter Two Part One here



Chapter Two
Part Two

Eleanna spent the rest of the days before her trip in a state of panic. Besides packing, there were so many other things she needed to take care of before she left, like making arrangements for her apartment and bills since she wasn’t sure how long she’d be gone. The attorney arranged transportation and everything else for her, even though a little bit unwillingly… Or was it her imagination? It doesn’t matter, Eleanna thought stubbornly. I’m going, anyway.Mixed feelings of worry and excitement kept her on edge. Even though she’d been waiting for this her entire life, now that the time had come for her to face her destiny, she was deeply anxious. Then again, she was also excited about visiting Greece. A place forbidden to me so far, she thought bitterly.The remaining days until Saturday flew by like a dream. Eleanna had seen Jonathan only once since she left the office on Wednesday. He came by Friday night, to see if she needed anything. She told him everything was ready, and when he offered to take her to the airport, she insisted that she could manage. But when she saw the hurt look on his face, she gave in.
***
Jonathan picked her up at six thirty the next morning. Her flight wasn’t leaving until nine. So, after she had her suitcase checked in and got her boarding pass, they had time to stop at a coffee shop in the airport. Eleanna was grateful that Jonathan kept the conversation light; she needed to relax. It was her first time flying since she was a baby, and she was a little scared. Also, there was the unknown—a foreign country and strange people who were probably her father’s enemies.All of a sudden, she had second thoughts but tried to control herself. She wasn’t going to back out now.She glanced over at Jonathan. Even though he was trying to seem cheerful, Eleanna could tell he was worried. Reaching over, she covered his hand with hers.“Everything is going to be all right… I’m going to be fine,” she said, trying to sound convincing. If he only knew what I was really getting into… she thought bitterly. Straightening her back, she drew a deep breath, trying to banish any gloomy thoughts from her mind.“I’m so worried about you, Eleanna,” Jonathan admitted. He turned his palm upward, locking his fingers with hers and squeezing her hand tenderly. “I love you,” he whispered, staring into her eyes.Eleanna’s breath caught in her throat. Deep down inside, she’d always known that, but he had never come out and said it before. She was at a loss for words.“You don’t have to say anything,” he said. “I just wanted you to know that before you left. I’m going to be here for you.”“I know, Jonathan,” Eleanna whispered. “I care deeply about you, too,” she added, not able to lie about loving him back. She did care about him, however. He was a good friend and had been there for her every time she needed a shoulder to cry on.Maybe I should have accepted his offer to tag along, she thought but immediately reprimanded herself. Don’t be a coward! This is something I have to do—only me. I can’t ask Jonathan to fight my battles for me. She pulled her hand away from his. Besides, knowing what I might have to face over there, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize Jonathan’s life. She squeezed her hands, which were now hidden under the table.Her flight was called over the loudspeakers, and her heart fluttered like a little bird. All of a sudden, she felt an uncontrollable urge to flee. But Eleanna was a fighter, and she wasn’t going to give up now. She needed to get some answers so that she could put all this behind her and finally move on with her life. But there was more than that; she wasn’t fooling herself that she wanted more than just some answers. She wanted to make the Contessa pay for what she had done to her family.This was the reason she’d been preparing for so long, both psychologically and physically. Ever since she was sixteen years old, Eleanna had been taking karate lessons. Knowing that the threat hovering over her family would never go away, she wanted to be able to protect herself when the time came. Also, she’d discovered that the training was actually helping her to release some anger and find some peace and inner balance.“Ready?” Jonathan’s voice yanked her back to the present.She lifted her gaze to stare into his eyes as he rose.“Yes, I’m ready.” She sprang to her feet as well. “Let’s go.” She lifted her purse and carry-on bag and strode towards the boarding gate.Jonathan followed right behind her.All ready to go, Eleanna turned and stared at him, at a loss for words. All of a sudden, a weird feeling—as if she were leaving forever—washed over her and scared her to death. Eleanna hated these odd premonitions she had every now and then.The first time she’d ever had a premonition that something bad was about to happen was the night before her father walked out on them and never came back. A year later, she had another one a few days before her little brother disappeared. Ever since, she had a few throughout her life, and they always came true. The last one was right before her mother passed away.Now, she had another premonition. What’s this all about? she wondered, petrified. Am I going to die over there? Then again, it didn’t feel that way. As a matter of fact, she didn’t feel threatened. Now that’s weird.“Well, I guess this is good-bye.” Jonathan pulled her into his arms.Eleanna laid a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll be back before you know it,” she lied, trying to cheer him up.“Call me when you get there,” he urged her as she walked toward the gate.

***

Come back next Friday to find out what happens next...

If you can't wait, the book is available at:

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Spellbound in His Arms selected as the Book of the Moment Club on Venture Galleries

It’s a fast paced, suspenseful read, with diabolical villains, an intrepid heroine and a super hot detective...

Read the post on Venture Galleries