Twinkle (Sugandha) Varshney's Blog, page 26
July 31, 2018
Hope by Casey Diam
Title: Hope
Series: Things That Matter #2Author: Casey DiamGenre: Romantic SuspenseRelease Date: July 31, 2018
Blurb
Paige
I was weak.
After everything I’d been through, I’d grown weaker, not stronger. But I would change that. This was the year I’d lose myself, even if this meant losing Caleb—my rock. He was too close to the enemy, too close to do what needed to be done.
Alex Connor needed to suffer. It was the only way to stop him.
So, whatever it took, I would make him suffer and I would make him pay.
Caleb
There was only one thing I’d ever really wanted in life. My freedom. A sense of hope in a world where disappointment didn’t come after. A life where Alex Connor didn’t have control. It’d been the least possible thing in my life until now. But the freedom I’d wanted at first was nothing like the air I wanted to breathe with her. The moment I’d met Paige, she’d become my center, the core of my existence.
Although, when everything was said and done, I would never get to have my freedom. I would never get to revel in hope. I would become off-center, and I would fade.
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Author Bio
Some years ago, Casey rediscovered her passion for writing and hasn’t stopped writing since. Her favorite genre is romance with a little angst, which is why she writes sexy, funny, sweet, and emotional stories that are a bit more in depth, but so much fun to read.
Casey has a ridiculously short attention span and loves her coffee and tea without sugar and milk. Apart from reading or writing, she loves to snowboard, even when she’s catching an edge and face-planting in the snow. She absolutely loves it!
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Finders, Not Keepers
Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romantic SuspenseDate Published: August 20, 2018
What do you do with a diamond no one wants? You can’t keep it. Or can you?
While cleaning her ex-husband’s effects out of the attic, Terri finds an exquisite diamond pendant necklace. She’s determined to return the necklace to its proper owner, but the owner was brutally killed, a murder which remains unsolved, and her heirs want nothing to do with the diamond. Terri embarks upon a journey researching charities to which she can donate the diamond. When her research becomes dangerous, Terri contemplates solving the murder herself. Her best friend, Melanie, jumps feet first into investigating the murder, but her neighbor, Ryder, doesn’t want Terri exposed to any danger. Ryder, to Terri’s surprise, also wants to be more than neighbors with Terri. Luckily, he’s prepared to take any measure necessary to keep her safe because someone is determined to stop her inquiries.
Join Terri on her quest to find a home for the diamond, which may result in the unveiling of a murderer – if she survives long enough.
Excerpt
“How are we going to solve the murder if we don’t even know where it happened?”
“We are not solving the murder! How many times do I have to explain myself? I’m only trying to honor Jessica’s last wishes by finding somewhere to donate the necklace in her memory.”
“We are totally solving this murder.”
“Did you not read the part where she was shot to death! And the police have no fricking idea what happened?”
Melanie shrugged as if she knew people who were shot to death all the time. “We’ll be fine.”
“We? We are not doing anything. I’m the one who is doing this. We are not doing anything.”
“Fine. Fine. So, Ms. Patterson, what are you going to do next, hmm?” She raised an eyebrow, crossed her arms over her chest, and leaned back in her chair.
“I’m not sure.” Terri tapped her fingers on the table. There was a long pause before she suddenly sat up straight. “Where did the obit say donations were to be sent?”
Melissa pulled the obit up on her tablet. “Westside Soup Kitchen.”
“That’s it!” She snapped her fingers. “I’ve volunteered at that soup kitchen several times. I’ll just go check it out. See if they are a good candidate for receiving the necklace.”
“You volunteered at the same soup kitchen as Jessica? Maybe you met her and don’t remember?”
“No.” Terri shook her head. “I saw a picture of her at the Collins’ house. There’s no way I would have forgotten meeting her.”
“Maybe some of the other volunteers or even the homeless people will remember Jessica. You could ask them about her.”
“Stop trying to solve the murder!”
Melanie readily agreed she wouldn’t get involved in investigating the murder, but Terri knew better than to believe her.
About the Author
I grew up reading everything I could get my grubby hands on, from my mom's Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew, to Little Women. When I wasn't flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed. College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although on the odd occasion I did manage to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear. After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic after returning to the law. But being a lawyer really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out being a B&B owner wasn’t my thing either. I polished off that manuscript languishing in the attic before following the husband to Istanbul where I decided to give the whole writer-thing a go. But ten years was too many to stay away from my adopted home. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.
Finders, Not Keepers is my thirteenth book.
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Wicked by by M. Malone & Nana Malone
Title: WickedAuthors: M. Malone & Nana MaloneGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: July 31, 2018
Blurb
What could be worse than catching your creepy boss in an inappropriate position? Hearing him say your name...
This day couldn't get any worse for Bailey.She just saw her boss Mr. Dent's extremely unimpressive... dent. A night of drinking with her best friend is exactly what she needs. Hunter is always there for her. The perfect Mr. Nice Guy.
This day couldn't get any better for Hunter.He just saw Bailey’s perfect curves soaped up in the shower and all his dreams are coming true. Until she won't return his calls the next day.
Bailey wants to pretend none of it happened but Hunter just needs one chance to prove their attraction is real. He’s finally going to show her he’s not that...nice.
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M. Malone
NYT & USA Today bestselling author M. Malone lives in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband and their two sons. She holds a master's degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized by how she's using her expensive education.
Independently published, she has sold more than 1/2 million ebooks in her two series, THE ALEXANDERS and BLUE-COLLAR BILLIONAIRES. Since starting her indie journey in 2011 with the runaway bestselling novella "Teasing Trent," her work has appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times.
She's now a full-time writer and spends 99.8% of her time in her pajamas.
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Nana Malone
USA Today bestselling author Nana Malone's love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense novel she "borrowed" from her cousin.
It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick-butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination constantly channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as brazen and kick-butt as she thinks she is.
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Beyond the Bases by Kaylee Ryan
Title: Beyond the BasesAuthor: Kaylee RyanGenre: New Adult
Release Date: July 31, 2018
Blurb
What happens when you want more in life than just running the bases? You hang out at home plate and stop playing the field.
He's sexy and irresistible. I've done my best to ignore the magnetism that flows between us. I don't need complications in my life. I can't get wrapped up in his world, the last thing I need is to get attached to a professional athlete. I don’t have time for heartbreak.
Something about her pulls me in. I want to get to know her. I want a chance to show her I'm more than just my career, my paycheck. I'm the man for her. I know I am. No matter how much she resists this connection between us. It doesn't change the fact that she’s my grand slam.
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Kaylee Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. When she’s not spinning tales of happily ever after, she’s reading or spending time with family. Born and raised an Ohio girl, Kaylee resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their son.
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July 30, 2018
The Mafia and His Obsession: Part One by Lylah James
Title: The Mafia and His Obsession: Part OneSeries: Tainted Hearts #4
Author: Lylah James
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC Genre: Contemporary Dark RomanceRelease Date: July 24, 2018
Blurb
My life only has one purpose, and it's to protect them—my family.
Whether I fight, maim, or kill the enemy, it makes no difference to me. If have to take a bullet for my family, I would embrace death with a goddamn smile on my face.
When their safety is compromised, I put my life on the line and made a deal with the devil. I never questioned it, not even once...
...Until her.
All it takes is one glance. With her pretty eyes now imprinted on my soul, the foundation my life has been built on is shifting. My loyalty has become hazy, and my life has a new meaning. There's a pull between us that's undeniable, and a carnal desire that threatens to ruin us both. It has turned me into a man obsessed.
My perfect, well-planned life is now in chaos, and a choice needs to be made.
My family…or my obsession?
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Author Bio
Lylah James uses all her spare time to write. If she is not catching up on sleep, working or writing—she can be found with her nose buried in a good romance book, preferably with a hot alpha male.
Writing is her passion. The voices in her head won’t stop, and she believes they deserve to be heard and read. Lylah James writes about drool worthy and total alpha males, with strong and sweet heroines. She makes her readers cry—sob their eyes out, swoon, curse, rage, and fall in love. Mostly known as the Queen of cliffhanger and the #evilauthorwithablacksoul, she likes to break her readers’ hearts and then mend them again.
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Six by Jane Blythe
Title: SixSeries: Count to Ten #6Author: Jane BlytheGenre: Romantic SuspenseRelease Date: July 30, 2018
Blurb
Detective Ryan Xander fights to save his partner when her violent stalker ups the ante and pulls out all the stops to end her life.
Sometimes you have to do something even if it hurts someone you love. Annabelle Englewood just made the biggest decision of her life. She's moved out of the home she has shared with her boyfriend for the last five years. She's not sure she made the right choice but she felt like it was something she had to do.
A woman disappears without a trace. Another four women vanish on the same night. The case takes a personal turn for Detective Xavier Montague when his estranged girlfriend, Annabelle, also goes missing. Is her disappearance related? Is someone else responsible? Or did she simply walk away from her life of her own volition?
** Warning: Graphic violence and themes of sexual assault/abuse **
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Author Bio
Jane has loved reading and writing since she can remember. She writes dark and disturbing crime/mystery/suspense with some romance thrown in because, well, who doesn’t love romance?! She has several series including the complete Detective Parker Bell series, the Count to Ten series, the Christmas Romantic Suspense series, and the Flashes of Fate series of novelettes.
When she’s not writing Jane loves to read, bake, go to the beach, ski, horse ride, and watch Disney movies. She has a black belt in Taekwondo, a 200+ collection of teddy bears, and her favorite color is pink. She has the world’s two most sweet and pretty Dalmatians, Ivory and Pearl. Oh, and she also enjoys spending time with family and friends!
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The Hawks by SD Hendrickson
Title: The HawksAuthor: SD Hendrickson Genre: Romantic Suspense/Family Drama/New AdultCover Design: SD Hendrickson Release Date: July 26, 2018
Blurb
“Sultry summer of suspense that leads to the fall of a powerful family”
He warned me. Said hawks were dangerous birds. Their majestic beauty could blind your eyes as they picked the flesh from your bones. But even hawks have enemies. And they eventually came for the Hawthorn family. Held us hostage. Demanded retribution.
But I wasn’t a Hawthorn. No, I was just the help. Caught in the turmoil of a tragic family. I worked hard for Delsey Hawthorn. Tried to earn the respect of the reigning tyrant. Assistant. Event planner. Gardner. Chauffeur. I added it all to my resume.
And then I met Javier Hawthorn. Delsey ordered me to stay away from her grandson. But like a moth to a burning flame, I gravitated toward him. He was so different than my world. Irresistible. Charming. He brought a calmness to the chaos.
But that was before the intruders came into the house. Tied us up. Hurt us. We struggled to get away. We fought to survive. But who were the men behind the masks? Did we know them? Because someone who got this close to the family at night must be even closer during the day.
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Excerpt
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to upset you.” My hands cupped his cheeks. I peered into his eyes, trying to read him better as I wore my heart on the outside. “I know this is supposed to be casual. But this doesn’t feel casual to me. You are so good to me. So much more than I ever expected. The way you make me feel. I just need to know if you feel the same way. And it’s okay if you don’t. I just need to know the truth.”
Javier rested his forehead against mine. “I feel the same, Sarina.”
“You do?” The elation filled my chest and I leaned up to kiss him, but his words stopped me.
“I feel the same, but you’re not really mine. Not permanently. What right do I have to feel jealous or angry?”
“But you have every right,” I pleaded with him. “If you think we’re together.”
The emotions shifted in his eyes as he struggled with his answer. “Maybe I tried to pretend at first. That you could mean nothing. But I couldn’t. I care about you, Sarina. And in another time or place, I could see myself wanting so much more with you. But the more we feel, the harder it ends.”
“You don’t think I know that?” I whispered. “I know you will hurt me. Eventually.”
“But I don’t want to hurt you. So I have to ask you this. Do you want to stop now before this gets more serious? Before it hurts more?”
“No,” I gushed. I didn’t even hesitate. The idea of him pulling away sent a panic through me. I didn’t care about the heartbreak that would come later when he left me. I needed him in my life right now. “I don’t want to stop seeing you.”
Author Bio
SD Hendrickson received a Bachelor's of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from Oklahoma State University. She is the author of The Mason List, Waiting for Wyatt, and My Lucky Days.
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The Pious Insurrection
Dark FantasyDate Published: July 1, 2018Publisher: Lulu Publishing
A grim, sword & sorcery tale with monsters, magic, religion, and war.
This is how the world ends:
The innocent kill. Those killers lead. That is the nature of war, which ravages the province of Evigönda.
For a breath, there is peace, but the gods' demands pull at thestrings. Amos is a mystic who guards Bo, a seer who sacrificed herphysical sight to see spirits. Together, they must use her judgment toharvest souls for the Reaping, a sacred mission and necessary evil tomaintain the safety of their homeland.
Every move they make throws the world into further chaos, and when a scarred veteran makes it his mission to stop the Reaping so he can save his own struggling nation, the body count rises.
Shady allies and passionate enemies challenge the morals of piety and righteousness in this gripping fantasy tale.
Unlike fantasy epics that bring all new races such as orcs, elves, and dwarves in the style of Tolkien, or Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, The Reaping is dark fantasy that brings as much diversity from its all-human cast. From the Ashborn--the technologically-savvy steampunk mountain rangers of Borensati--to the Templars, disciplined, systematic warrior women who harvest the powers of the Sun and the earth to turn their weapons into medieval lightsabers, the cast of The Reaping pulls readers into a warbound, thought-provoking fantasy adventure.
Excerpt
“Don’t open your eyes,” Harken coughed. “Play dead. Lie there. Please.”
Lancaster couldn’t obey. He opened his eyes and stared as Harken struggled to his feet. He barely recognized his brother: blood poured from his shoulder, where a large bolt had found its mark. A blow Harken had taken to the face left him with a shattered cheek, and blood matted his hair. Stumbling, Harken sank to his knees next to Lancaster.
Lancaster tried to hide, but his own injuries restricted him. His left arm was bent in a way it shouldn’t be. His shattered knee throbbed, and blood trickled from his numb right wrist. He couldn’t move at all, especially when Harken heaved the corpse of their fallen fellow Nazarian onto him.
Footfalls approached, and as shadows flickered, Harken reached for his broken lance. He propped himself up on it and peered into the faces of the approaching figures.
“Commander, another survivor. This one has enough strength to stand,” a Seladorian woman announced, sword drawn. She pointed her blade at Harken’s throat.
Harken didn’t budge.
Another woman approached. Blood leaked down into Lancaster’s eyes, but he could see her legs. Padded black cloth covered her lower body—a far cry from the heavy metal armor most Seladorian warriors wore.
“You…” Harken started. “You’re not with the Templars. You must be the Hand.”
“That is correct, young man. While the Templars meet danger where danger presents itself, the Sisters of the Hand strike danger where it is vulnerable, and I—the Hand of the Goddess—have found the weakest link in Nazarelle’s armor.” Her voice was honeyed, not the tone one would expect from a vicious killer.
Harken coughed, blood seeping from his mouth. “Ambush from the mountains… smart.”
“If you knew anything of battlefield tactics, you would have seen this coming,” the Hand retorted.
Harken shook his head. “I’m just a soldier with a team of trainees. We weren’t meant for this. We shouldn’t die like this.”
“So it is mercy you want?” The Hand circled Harken for a moment, prodding the body that covered Lancaster with her foot.
Lancaster held his breath, eyes squeezed shut as his heart raced.
“I never asked for this. We’re just conscripts,” Harken pleaded.
“And yet… this is a battle your king chose. Your army attacked ours, and because of this, two thousand of my sisters have fallen in the past centenox. I would spare you no mercy, nor would I spare you any pity, because they all would still live”—the Hand grabbed Harken by his throat—“if not for the greed of your king.”
Harken dropped the lance as he pulled against her tight grip, but his wounds were too great. He didn’t have the strength to break free.
Eyes still closed, Lancaster listened to his brother die. As his body hit the ground with a loud thud, the door opened.
“It’s time.”
About the Author
Dexter Morgenstern is a Southern-born Seattle author and model. Homeschooled after a diagnosis of mild Asperger's, he learned to play to his strengths as an energetic, creative artist. He began writing at the age of fifteen, and published his first novel two years later. Outside of art, Dexter spends his time gaming, studying, and socializing with other ambitious minds. As an army brat, he attained a pragmatic sense of discipline that he uses to balance his artistic endeavors with his academic ones. Dexter's ultimate goal is to contribute to the subjugation of humanity by artificial intelligence.
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A Kiss To Tell by Willow Winters
Title: A Kiss to TellAuthor: Willow WintersGenre: Romantic Suspense
Cover Design: Cover Me Darling
Photo: Regina Wamba
Models: Alex & CherryRelease Date: August 14, 2018
Blurb
I didn’t need anyone to tell me, I knew he was forbidden with a single glance.He was a boy I should be afraid of and definitely a boy I should never want. No matter how much neither of those statements were true.
From the first time I saw him, Sebastian had a hard stare that pinned me in place. And, years later, it hasn’t softened.
We lived on the same street, went to the same school, though he was a year ahead. Even so close, he was untouchable.He was bad news and I was the sad girl who didn’t belong.
One night changed everything. We both had secrets. We both saw the pain in each other’s eyes. That gaze that gave me chills, turned to a lust-filled haze that heated every inch of me. But that didn’t change who he was. A man who would take everything from me.
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Author Bio
Willow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Bestselling Romance Author. She likes her action hot and her bad boys hotter. She certainly doesn’t hold back on either one in her writing!
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
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Whole Lotta Frogs by Samatha Harris
Title: Whole Lotta FrogsAuthor: Samatha HarrisGenre: Standalone Romantic ComedyRelease Date: June 19, 2018
Blurb
My name is Lennox Brooks and I’ll admit, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I don’t take the big risks, I cover my insecurities with snark, I’ve shown my crazy a few more times then I would’ve liked, and I’ve been trying, and failing at love pretty much since I first grew tits. Weirdos, Mama’s boys, the over-coiffed, and underwhelming, I’ve been out with them all, just read my blog. I’ve got horror stories that would curl your toes and singe your nose hairs, but none of them compare to the toad who started it all, Ellis Walker. He was the boy next door, the charming, infuriatingly gorgeous one who broke my heart and disappeared without a trace. Now he’s back and determined to throw my life into chaos, dredging up painful memories just when things were getting good. But the thing is there are always two sides to every story.I’ve spent the better part of my life hating him for everything he put me through, but without that resentment clouding my judgment how will I ever resist him? Love is complicated, appearances are deceiving, and sometimes you have to kiss a whole lotta frogs before finding your prince.
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Excerpt
I got ready in a fury and reread Ellis’s invasive text three times while I fixed my hair and makeup, shaking my head each time and fighting back a smile. I still hadn’t answered when I started walking the six blocks to Sawyer’s apartment. I’d barely stepped off the stoop of my building when my phone rang.“You never answered my question,” Ellis said. My lips curled up at the corners. “Of course, I didn’t.” “Why not?” “Because it’s none of your business.” “Len, your nudity is absolutely my business. In fact, I’m the CEO of that luscious body and I’m a hands-on kind of leader.” I shook my head, unable to hold back my smile any longer. “Wow, you managed to turn a creepy text into an even creepier metaphor. Kudos to you.” Ellis laughed. “Are you?” “Am I what?” “Naked,” he said. “I’m about the hop in the shower and I need a visual to, you know, help me finish the job.” “You’re unbelievable.” “Unbelievably sexy you mean.” I could hear the grin in his voice. “Whatever.” “Seriously, though,” he said. “What are you up to?” “Well.” I took a deep breath, the ice-cold air burning my nose. “If you must know, Sawyer offered to make me dinner. I’m on my way to his place.” “Really?” he asked. “Great!” I stopped short on the sidewalk my feet frozen to the pavement. People around me grunted their disapproval and moved around me as I stood glued to the concrete. “Great?” What happened to throwing his hat in the ring?“Yeah. I’m starved; I’ll meet you there in ten.” “You can’t be serious.” “I love his food—man, that guy can cook. Best decision I ever made, going into business with him. Even if he’s trying to steal my woman.” “Ellis!” I shouted into the phone. An elderly woman pulling a grocery cart behind her glared at me for my outburst. I mouthed my apologies to her then returned to my phone. “So help me God if you show up at Sawyer’s…” “What’s the big deal? I’m friends with him. He’s friends with you. We can all have dinner together, it’ll be fun.” “You aren’t invited.” “Oh, Len, I’m hurt. I thought we were moving forward. We’re friends, aren’t we?” I sighed. “Yes, we’re friends.” “And friends sometimes eat together?” I groaned, not liking the route this conversation was taking. “Sawyer and I are friends, which I expect might change when I tell him how I feel about you. Oh, what the hell—we’ll just leave him out of this and you and I will just go ourselves.” “Smooth, Ellis,” I said. “Real smooth.” “I am pretty smooth if I do say so myself. Not to mention devastatingly handsome, and moderately charming.” “Only moderately?” I asked. “Yes, but don’t worry; I grow on you.” I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and closed my eyes. “Please tell me you are not going to show up this evening.” Ellis laughed. “Relax. I won’t be interrupting your little dinner.” “Thanks.” I checked the address and looked up at Sawyer’s building. The door to which was sandwiched between a dry cleaner and a greasy pizza place. “I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.” “Okay,” he said. “Lennox?” “Yeah.”He didn’t say anything right away. I just stood there, the cold wind biting at my fingertips. “Don’t—," he started, his voice sounding almost pained. “Don’t, what?” I stood there listening to him breathe on the other end.“Nothing.” He sighed.I groaned and rolled my eyes. “Bye, Ellis.”
Author Bio
Samatha “Sam” Harris lives near Baltimore, Maryland with her husband David and daughter Ava. Born in Florida, she migrated north which most people agree was a little backwards. She has been an artist all of her life, a Tattoo Artist for more than ten years, and a storyteller since she was a kid.
Sam has a slightly unhealthy love for Frank Sinatra, classic movies, and Jazz and Blues music, but her first love will always be reading. From Romance, to Thrillers, to Historical Fiction and everything in between, she loves to become a part of the story. As a writer she tells the stories that she would want to read.
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