Twinkle (Sugandha) Varshney's Blog, page 331

The Bridges Before Us by Christine Ardigo

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THE BRIDGES BEFORE USBook 3 of the FIX IT OR GET OUT series AUTHOR:  Christine Ardigo Stifled by her narcissistic mother, twenty-four-year-old Samantha Hart is tired of putting her life on hold. Determined to find her own happiness, she volunteers within the community. Who’d ever guess her good deeds would land her in trouble? Frustrated and at a loss, Samantha decides a walk on the wild side might do her some good.Intrigued by the scandalous lifestyle of her dynamic coworker Cara, Samantha attempts to transform herself into Cara’s sinful image. But, as she finds her new path meaningless and hollow, she looks for someone with better judgment to steer her in the right direction, and it’s someone she least expects. Can Samantha trust a man who hates everything about her, or does he see beneath the bad girl façade?A romance like no other, The Bridges Before Us, teaches us to love ourselves, embrace who we are, and never change for the sake of pleasing others. Samantha ran out of the house and down the driveway. The distinct sound of the front door pulling away from its frame, followed. “You can’t just pick up and leave! What’s wrong with you lately? Where are you going?” Her mother stepped onto the front porch, a frigid aura surrounded her. Samantha careened out of the driveway and away from her home. She entered Jericho Turnpike and maneuvered along the congested road, blasting the stereo. Despite the chilly evening, she rolled her window down, and the wind rushed in, whipping her hair onto her face. She thrust her head out, and sang so loud and dramatic, you’d think she was an escaped psych patient. Drivers stopped to look. A few honked their horns or danced along, but most tossed dirty looks. Jerks. She gripped the steering wheel tighter. Her mother’s words cut through her again. The daily insults and attacks, followed by the deliberate guilt trip for never being good enough, caused her eyes to lose their focus as they grew with tears. How much more could she do for that woman? Was she that much of a failure? Twenty minutes and five songs later, her ears frostbitten and her throat dry, she pulled into a small shopping center. Rob Roy’s Deli called to her. Her car smashed into one of the many potholes created from the never-ending blizzards and she rolled the window back up. She flipped the hood on her black sweatshirt over her head, instantly finding security in the armor. She slammed the door closed, kicked her car’s tire, and screamed. She refused to shed another tear. Rage tore through her instead. Tired of being nice and people taking advantage of her. Tired of always doing the right thing and being the good girl while other’s walked all over her. She was done. After exiting the deli with a big fat tuna fish hero, she yanked her car door open. The sandwich rolled onto the seat, the paper unraveled, and tuna fish scurried out from the suffocating and confining bread. She wanted to escape, too. Maybe hanging out with Cara and Eryn would do her some good. Try ‘sinful and scandalous’ for a while. Nice was getting her nowhere. Hate your boss? Want to Strangle Your Husband? Be Glad Your Co-Workers Can Keep a Secret. Can Cheating on Your Husband Bring Unimaginable Pleasure or Completely Destroy Your World? To her three daughters, Heather is a fun-loving, silly mom. Her co-workers at Norlyn Plains Hospital think she has it all, including a handsome lawyer husband. But when a flirtatious new doctor chooses Heather to spend his down time with, he reminds her of the man she regrettably gave up so many years before. Each interaction breathes new life into her and she gives in to the doctor’s seductions, threatening her fifteen year marriage. Her co-workers Victoria and Catherine, are stunned by her actions, but when they see the positive transformation in Heather, and question their own crumbling marriages, they wonder if she has the right idea. Can cheating on their husbands bring the three of them happiness? Or will they be destroyed by the consequences?
Victoria watched Heather crunch on each grape as if it were a Godiva chocolate truffle. Something she’d been doing all week. “What’s going on, Heather?” Heather’s eyes widened, then she glanced at her Styrofoam bowl. She looked back at Victoria and her face changed. “What is it? Something’s up, you’re too happy.” “I can’t be happy?” Heather sank into her chair. “Spill it.” Victoria dumped her spoon in her bowl, refusing to give in. Heather peered over her shoulders and then bent in leaving only six inches between her and Victoria. She opened her mouth, then shut it. “You can’t tell anyone.” “You’ve never kept anything from me in the five years we’ve worked together. And when have I ever repeated anything you’ve said?” Heather flashed a smile. “Okay, but...” She lowered her voice further until barely a whisper crept out. “I slept with Dr. Silvatri over the weekend.” Heather plopped back in her chair and winced. Victoria’s jaw plunged. The two of them studied each other. Victoria could not piece together the information. Sleeping with someone else? Cheating on Lance? Sure, she was miserable, sure he was an incredible ass, but she loved her daughters more than anything and to risk her marriage? For what? Some new doctor? Heather grinned like a child admitting she pulled the fire alarm in the school hallway. Victoria continued her silence. Was she upset with Heather? No. She was actually…intrigued. Curious. “Are you going to give me the details or what?” Do you believe in second chances? Third? Fourth? Destiny’s determined to keep offering another shot...if they're brave enough to grab it. Heather, the quirky non-conformist, is the complete opposite of her conventional, yet highly sought after boyfriend, Lance. She doesn't know it yet, but her perfect boyfriend isn't perfect for her. When Nicolo, a vibrant new employee starts at her job, he ignites a fire inside her, and she finds herself second-guessing her boring future as a lawyer’s wife. Nicolo always questioned his purpose in this world, until Heather’s dynamic personality finds a way into his heart. She makes him believe he can conquer the world, while he gives her a glimpse at an adventurous future. Before they reveal their true feelings, a vindictive boss fires Nicolo, leaving Heather with no possibility of contacting him. Five years later, Lance, deeply engrossed in law school, has yet to propose. During a rare night out, fate reunites Heather with Nicolo and that old spark is still very much alive. Torn between losing him again and the emotions she can no longer suppress, they launch into a powerful love affair. Heather discovers passion and warmth, and knows she must leave Lance. With love this perfect, what tears them apart a second time? Fate continues to step in, as Heather and Nicolo cross paths every five years. Will they ever fulfill their destiny, or will insecurities keep them apart? Every Five Years is a witty, heartfelt story of true love and what happens when life keeps getting in the way.
She stepped back, but before Nicolo could throw it, a wave ripened and clobbered her. Heather’s head smacked into the sand. The crunch of her shoulder was the last thing she felt before the wave spun her. She attempted to stand, but before fully erect, another wave smacked hard, buckling her knees, and pushed her toward the sand. The taste of salt water burned her throat. Strands of hair coiled and blocked her vision. Heather struggled upward, unaware which direction she faced. A mounting wave walloped again. The taste of gritty sand in her mouth and the inability to see sent her into a panic. She coughed, spit, then pushed up on her palms one more time. She needed to escape. Now.Powerful arms swept her from the water's depths. With her toes flying over the foamy surf, Heather coughed and clawed the hair away from her eyes and mouth. Nicolo placed her on their blanket and removed the sand from her face. Her breathing adjusted and she opened her eyes. He blocked the sun with his hand. “Are you okay?” She sputtered. “Yes, thank you.” He brushed the suffocating hair off her neck, pushed it back over her forehead, then gazed at her, silent. His hand continued to stroke her hair, and gently caress her face. Droplets glistened off his skin. Waves of black, slick hair dripped with seawater and landed on her chest. Feeling his magical fingers on her, seeing his face this close to hers again, made Heather want to taste his lips like she had imagined so many times in the past.“You scared me.” He ran his finger down the side of her face to her chin. “Don’t worry, you won’t lose me again.”“Promise?”“Promise.” She smiled. Nicolo collapsed next to her on the blanket and snuggled in until the warmth from their arms merged. She tilted her head onto his shoulder, wishing he would wrap his arms around her. He rested his chin on top instead, and held her hand, squeezing it tight. Their eyes closed. School and work no longer occupied her mind. CHEATING TO SURVIVE 99 cents AMAZON ~ iTUNES ~ KOBO ~ NOOK EVERY FIVE YEARS 99 cents AMAZON ~ iTUNES ~ KOBO ~ NOOK THE BRIDGES BEFORE US 99 cents AMAZON kindle ~ AMAZON paperback I’m a registered dietitian/personal trainer who writes contemporary romance novels in my spare time. When weight lifting, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and jumping out of airplanes wasn’t enough, I decided to fulfill a dream I had as a child: to write a book. I’ve lived in New York my entire life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I have the beaches, the bay and the city, all a half hour away. I’ve built memories here with my husband, two silly daughters and a bunch of crazy friends, all whom I love very much. BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR

The Men of Mercy by Lindsay Cross

MEN OF MERCY Seriesby Lindsay CrossOFFICIAL GENRE: Romantic Suspense (hot heat level) REDEMPTION RIVERBOOK 1 Hunter James didn’t want or need redemption. Until one mission turns his world upside down. He left Mercy to fight for his country and escape a broken heart. Years later, he is hard. Cold. A man without mercy. Part of an elite Task Force, he tracks a brutal terrorist to his home town. And runs into the woman who betrayed him…Evangeline Videl was destroyed when Hunter left. Determined to move on, she finds another man, but discovers too late the monster hidden beneath his smooth smile. Struggling to find the conviction to live, Evie finds her life spinning out of control. Then Hunter returns…Forced to band together to find the terrorist before its too late, Hunter and Evie must learn to forgive or risk losing the promise of redemption and their lives…
AMAZON ~ GOODREADS✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ This is the first book I've read by Lindsay Cross and am so excited that there are more books in the series to read. Redemption River is a great book. I read it from start to finish in one day. The story is full of action and suspense with characters that pull you in and make you feel their emotional turmoil as the story unfolds. I'd recommend this book to everyone. I'm looking forward to reading the authors other books. By Suzanne on January 20, 2016 Verified Purchase
Ranger James accepted his best friend’s death like a good soldier. With guilt. Regret. Vengeance. But a forbidden desire keeps pulling him from his mission…Desire for his best friend’s widow.Killed in Action. That’s why Rachel Carter’s husband wasn’t coming home. A war widow, alone and broke, Rachel struggles to revive her family’s crop dusting service to survive. Now she takes to the skies to find escape. Escape from the pain. From the guilt. From the earth-shattering desire for her husband’s best friend. Rachel and Ranger can’t fight the attraction between them any longer. But one fateful night cleaves their new found love in two...Can they find the will to fight for true love? Or will an evil so shocking destroy their lives for good?AMAZON ~ GOODREADS✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ Cross has brought us into the world of the Men of Mercy, a military group of Alpha men that do not disappoint. There is action, romance, comedy, suspense, that bad boy sexy thing only great authors can pull off in their writing, she does it! Is Ranger and Amy's story a fairytale romance, no, it's a real romance from the first chapter breaking my heart to the last chapter putting it back together! By Elizabeth on October 20, 2015 Verified PurchaseRECKLESS RIVERBOOK 3
They say you can’t go home again. Jared Crowe never wanted to. Home meant facing memories of abuse and neglect. Of dark closets and evil nightmares. Of his own relatives intent on killing him. But now his brother’s kidnapping forces him to face those demons. Only this time, Jared isn’t a scared little boy. He’s a full-grown Special Forces operative bent on revenge.As a little girl, Sparrow Pickney risked her life to free two abused boys. As a grown woman Sparrow needs to earn a place in her adopted family’s business or be forced into a life of degradation. The chance to prove her family loyalty comes when she catches Jared spying on the compound and captures him.When Jared sees his captor, he realizes she’s the girl of his dreams and vows to rescue her from a life of poverty. What Jared doesn’t know is Sparrow may not be the savior he remembers…but the one responsible for abducting and torturing his brother.Jared is determined to find the truth. But that truth may be more than his heart can take.AMAZON ~ GOODREADS✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ What a great book. I was unable to put it down, the best one in the series to date, absolutely loved it. The drama and the suspense is unrivalled. I am not going to tell you anymore about this book you will just have to read it for yourself. I highly recommend this one. By Veejay on December 8, 2015 Verified PurchaseDAVID: A NovellaBOOK 4
They say love conquers all…but marriage, kids and working undercover is proving that statement false. Lori watched helplessly as her husband’s undercover work drew him further and further away. When she discovers all those nights David worked away from home may have been spent with another woman, her calm collected world falls apart. David dedicated his life to taking down criminals-by any means necessary. After months of long days and nights, he finally closes the case on the most bloodthirsty drug cartel this side of the Mississippi. Now he can turn his steely determination to gaining back his wife’s love and respect. Faced with David’s relentless advances, Lori is helpless to resist. But their rekindled love is threatened when the cartel discovers David’s identity. Now David and Lori must fight for their lives with the same passion as they fought for their love.AMAZON ~ GOODREADS✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ You really got to feel the emotions of Lori and David in their Marriage and the suspense was a real page turner, couldn't stop reading! Loved that the story was intertwined with book 2. Loving these hunky men and their strong women in this whole series. I'm a big fan!! By LISA G on January 26, 2016RAYLAN: A NovellaBOOK 5
Raylan Wild lived up to his last name. He spent his youth sowing his oats and living life for the moment. Then he met Amber and after one incredible night, Raylan was ready to give up his wild ways. But then a call from his ex turned his world upside down. Raylan sacrificed his tender new feelings and left town to raise a son he’d never even known existed. All the while, dreams of a beautiful brown haired girl haunted his dreams. Amber Atkins had given everything to Raylan. Her virginity and her soul. Convinced she could tame the notorious bad boy, she was devastated when he left without a word. Now six years later, Raylan has returned to Mercy to convince Amber that they can’t live without each other. But can Amber find the strength to trust again? As a stalker grows bolder, Amber’s life is in danger and she’s forced to turn to one man for help – Raylan Wilde. In order to survive, she must trust the man that nearly destroyed her with her body and soul.AMAZON ~ GOODREADS✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ I know I am a broken record when it comes to this series but it is the best and is my treat to myself. I love the fact that these strong alpha men (they are military, law enforcement, military) stick together and keep themselves and their families safe. This time Raylan and his team join together to stop a psychotic stalker that is after Amber, the woman he left behind but wants to reconcile with. This book has an edge of a thriller, mixed with romance and erotica. By DawnTNC on February 17, 2016 Verified PurchaseRAVAGED RIVERBOOK 6
Special forces operative Hoyt Crowe wasn't just damaged… he was broken. After suffering brutal torture in captivity, his once lively spirit is shattered. Now his greatest adversary isn’t some unknown terrorist in a foreign country, it’s himself.Hayden James watched Hoyt slide into a private purgatory of post-traumatic stress disorder, taking her heart with him. No longer warm and loving, he is cold. Hardened. A shell of his former self.When an old enemy threatens Hayden’s life, Hoyt must find the strength to slay his inner demons or lose the woman he loves forever.AMAZON ~ GOODREADS✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ Love the flawed hero! Hoyt is intelligent, able, responsible and truly emotional about himself and Hayden. Even dealing his current issues, and the possibility terrorists close to home, Hayden's steadfast support shows him that true connections involve the head AND the heart. By Amazon Customer on February 5, 2016 Verified Purchase Lindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation. An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams. BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR

In the Dark By Lila Rose

Title: In the DarkAuthor: Lila RoseGenre: NA Paranormal Romance Cover Designer: Wrapped PagesEditor: Hot Tree Editing Release Date: March 29th


Mothers were supposed to love unconditionally. Mine didn't. In fact, she tried to kill me on my thirteenth birthday, when she saw just how different I was. My dad saved my life that night. He also took her away on an extended vacation, leaving me with an ever-absent uncle. 
Five years later, solitude was something I lived by. I had to because I was different and people tended not to cope well with the unusual. In fact, they hated me for it, were even scared of me because of it.
I thought I was meant to live alone, until Isaac Grey took notice of me. He changed my life, taught me I wasn't the only one who was different, and I didn't need to be alone. 
But with love comes sacrifice and then pain. Could I ever escape living in the dark? Exclusive to iBooks
Prologue 
I didn't want to ask for help. Mum was already upset about something she'd heard from down the street. But my fear was raw, palpable, leaving my breathless and shaky. I didn't know what was going on or why pain spread through my body.     With my arms wrapped around my middle, sweat covering my body and stabbing pains shooting through me, I staggered into the kitchen. The scent of bacon filled the room and my stomach growled in response when I inhaled the familiar greasy scent.    How was I hungry when I was hurting so much?    Am I dying?    Tears fell unbidden, dampening my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away, not wanting to panic her.“Mum.” I coughed. She stood at the stove, her back to me.    She turned, tongs in her hand and screamed.    I covered my ears; still, her scream drilled into my head, hurting me even more.    “Mum,” I yelled, even my own voice hit me like a sledgehammer to the brain.     Her screaming stopped. Wide-eyed before me, she gaped. “Leila? Your body…”    “Help me. It hurts.” I collapsed to the ground on my hands and knees. “Please.”    “No. No… Look at you—you're wrong.” She sobbed, her hand covering her mouth in horror.    Another fierce wave of pain rushed through me. Crumpling to my stomach, I moaned. With my head sideways on the cool vinyl floor, I watched through watery eyes the skin on my arm and hand shimmer and shake, as it… changed.    What is happening to me?    Mum inhaled deeply, her voice low and calm, devoid of emotion. “You've always been different. I— You're not my daughter. No. I can't… You're bad. This… it proves it.”    Icy terror rippled through me, cutting through my pain when I watched her own transformation—sad haunted eyes turned cold and hard.     From out the corner of my eyes, as I lay helpless on the floor, she stood above me with the hot pan in her hand.    Dad yelled from somewhere for my mum to stop, his footfalls fast approaching. But it was too late.    The pan collided with my head. Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads
I was born in Brisbane, Australia. My step-dad was in the Army, which caused us to move around a lot. We finally settled in country Victoria, Australia. I am the youngest of four children and I can say that I was spoilt a bit. I drove my mum crazy when I refused to eat meat at a young age. Now I live with my husband and two children, and I find myself regretting all the troubles I put my parents through because my monsters are just as picky as I was.

I started writing in 2013 and self-published the first of the Hawks MC Club series Holding Out. The next to follow was something different, I wrote Senseless Attraction, a YA novel. Soon I was back to the Hawks series with number two Climbing Out. I have more to write in the series, but there will be also be more novels in the humorous erotica genre, like Left to Chance, which is out now.

Stalemate By Rose Sawyer

She's playing the game but the rules keep changing.
Title: StalemateAuthor: Rose SawyerGenre: Romantic SuspenseRelease Date: February 26, 2016Series: Stalemate, Part 1 of 2Publisher: Hot Tree PublishingCover Designer: Claire Smith Nobody likes the game of cat and mouse more than Ellie Collins. It is what she is trained for. A deadly assassin, Ellie is seeking vengeance. She wants the man from her past, her childhood, to pay for his sins. Her journey leads her into the arms of Alex, a man who she thinks she has all figured out. 
Successful lawyer, Alex King, isn’t looking for complicated. He isn’t searching for anything that can possibly interfere with his well-orchestrated life. That is until he meets Ellie. Soon he becomes a pawn in her game of revenge. What starts as a whirlwind, lust-filled affair, Alex and Ellie’s relationship spirals into something much more than either of them expected.  
When the pieces are set and the players are primed, can either escape the final move of checkmate?
Amazon: US | UK | AU | CA
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 On sale now for $1.99! 
“Don’t make me hit you again.” She narrowed her eyes, reaching behind herself and shutting the water off.

“Go ahead. Maybe you hitting me turns me on.” His grin widened as he reached over and pulled her back up to him, her wet, naked body pressed to his.

“You’re always turned on, Alex. I could spit on the ground and you’d get an erection.” She rolled her eyes, pressing her palms against his chest. “I’m sure you have some sort of hormone imbalance.”

“And baby, you’re the only one who can keep it under control.” He pressed his lips to hers, and her body responded immediately. She melted against him. Her lips parted for his tongue, allowing him to kiss her back. When his cock stirred to life, nudging against her stomach, Ellie pulled back, prying her lips away from his.
Facebook I Goodreads I Twitter I WattpadRose Sawyer currently lives on campus full time while working on her undergraduate degree in Biblical and Religious studies with an emphasis on Religion and Sociology in California, where she was born and raised. On weekends, she travels home to see her parents and the gaggle of cats, dogs, horses and other four-legged animals that she loves.
At 19, she has written seven romance novels, is currently writing two more and has another two in the process of being published. The majority of her novels can be found at Wattpad.com, where they are available to read for free.

a Rafflecopter giveawayRafflecopter Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ea80a6ed149/

Silent Partner By Jennifer Chase

SILENT PARTNERA California Police K9 StorySuspense / Police Procedural / K9Date Published: December 2015 2nd Edition



One Cop, One Serial Killer, One Witness 
Who Will Survive? 

Northern California’s elite Police K9 Units arrive at an abandoned warehouse after a high-speed chase and apprehend two killers after they have fled a grisly murder scene. This barely scratches the surface of a bloody trail from a prolific serial killer that leads to unlocking the insidious secrets of one family’s history, while tearing a police department apart. 
Jack Davis, a top K9 cop with an unprecedented integrity, finds himself falling for a beautiful murder suspect and struggling with departmental codes. 
Megan O’Connell, suffering from agoraphobia, is the prime murder suspect in her sister’s brutal murder. 
Darrell Brooks, a psychopath who loves to kill, is on a quest to drive Megan insane for profit. 
Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a secret. Someone else must die to keep the truth buried forever. Silent Partner is a suspense ride along that will keep you guessing until the bitter end.

The city streets were quiet. It was approaching 1 a.m. and most residents were fast asleep waiting for the next day to begin. The sleeping neighborhoods were completely unaware of who and what roamed the streets in the middle of the night. Everyone had a story to tell and those people out in the middle of the night were no different. What made it unlike any other night was that there was a serial killer on the loose and it didn’t seem like the police were close to catching him anytime soon. The erratic murders didn’t seem to have any type of connection except for the victims it left behind. The sidewalks, along with a few parked cars, were wet from a mild rain from a couple of hours ago. Large droplets of water on the road reflected the approaching headlights of a police cruiser. The car idled as it slowed near quick flashes of light. In the shadows, transients were lighting up their scrounged cigarette butts in between quick swigs of cheap booze disguised in brown paper bags. The cruiser paused for just a moment, then slowly moved on.Deputy Jack Davis surveyed the streets with intense, dark blue eyes, casually running his fingers through his dark military haircut, looking for anything suspicious or out of place. His well-seasoned cop instincts from the past ten years rarely failed him.Jack had many things weighing heavy on his mind. One of those things he was going to have out right now. He vented to his partner, “You’re such an adrenaline junkie. The end doesn’t justify the means.” He sighed and continued, “I can’t even look at you right now. You have to start following procedures otherwise Sarge is going to have both our asses on suspension.”It remained quiet inside the cruiser.Jack finally spoke again. “Just because you sleep with me doesn’t make this any easier. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”A muscular one-hundred-pound black Labrador Retriever stared at his partner from the back seat. His large square head tilted slightly to one side, his black eyes fixed at attention as he watched his handler with building curiosity. Jack demanded. “Say something. Anything.”The dog barked twice and stood up, pushing his wet canine nose toward Jack and giving him a sloppy kiss on the side of his face, not forgetting the inside of his ear.Jack smiled. For a brief moment, his tension melted away. “Like I can stay mad at you.” Jack roughly scratched the big dog’s ears. He was rewarded with snorts and happy low-pitched whines.The police cruiser took a turn down an alley between two closed businesses, their interiors lit only by low emergency lighting illuminating a shadowy glow from the display shelves. Jack cut the engine but kept the car lights shining so he could see down the long alley. There were several dumpsters behind the electronics store and deli. The light bounced peculiar shadows and distorted views from the sides of the buildings and off barred security windows.Jack’s military boots hit the pavement as he got out of the car with purpose. He walked around the cruiser to the trunk, popped it open, and pulled out three gray blankets. He slammed the trunk closed, tucked the blankets under his right arm, and walked around the car. With eyes focused and ears perked up, his four-legged partner never missed a single step or movement that Jack made. The dog’s black eyes gave the canine an almost demonic appearance. A sign posted on the side of the back window of the police car read boldly: CAUTION POLICE DOG—KENO. Monterey County Sheriff was printed down the side of the front doors.  Jack’s squeaky gun belt echoed in unison with his footsteps while he walked down the alley as a few suspicious eyes peered out at him from the deep shadows. Trash and flattened cardboard boxes littered the ground next to broken bottles that had been neatly swept against the side of the building. Some care had been taken to keep the glass from causing any injury to those who had to sleep there. Upon closer inspection, Jack could see several homeless people hidden beneath the city’s refuse cloaked in several layers of clothing with a few precious personal belongings clutched at their sides.A young woman barely in her twenties with short blonde hair and a five-year-old child huddled together in their filthy clothing, shivering slightly from the damp evening. The local homeless shelter had only a few beds even for women and children. When they were already occupied, there was nothing else that they could do but find the safest place to hide out for the night. For them, this was the next safest place to be―away from the usual areas of downtown and under the bridge. It was cold, but they would be safe for another night.  Jack slowed his pace and with careful discretion he unfolded the blankets and gently wrapped them around the woman and little girl. They didn’t say a word to him, but their eyes conveyed gratitude. It was difficult for Jack to just leave the homeless behind to shiver in the night, but he turned and kept his focus on the cruiser as he walked back. Jack didn’t raise his eyes to look through the windshield until he was seated back inside his warm cruiser. Several sets of eyes reflected from the harsh headlights, but they seemed to be more curious than wary of his presence. Some nameless faces had seen him before, especially on extreme cold nights and holidays. He resembled a dark knight coming to the aid of his homeless kingdom. The cruiser slowly backed up and then disappeared into the night. The lights flashed like ghostly shadows for two seconds and then vanished as quickly as they had appeared. Once again, the alley was dark, quiet, and cold.


Jennifer Chase is an award-winning author and consulting criminologist.  She has authored five crime fiction novels, including the award-winning Emily Stone thriller series along with a screenwriting workbook.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor degree in police forensics and a Master's degree in criminology and criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent sociopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists.

For more info: www.authorjenniferchase.com

Website: http://authorjenniferchase.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Jennifer-Chase-208188122534165/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JChaseNovelistBlog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/

Sunstone & Tendrils by Holly Barbo

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OFHOLLY BARBO
TENDRILSWhere ’What if’ becomes ‘What is’AUTHOR: Holly BarboGENRE: Short story collection covering the following genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Sci-fi thriller, Sci-fantasy, Contemporary, Contemporary Thriller, Historical Fiction and Fantasy Stories come from any number of places. One could start from a memory, a photo in a magazine or from pondering a news item and wondering, "What if?"This collection arose from that sort of random stimuli. Some are pure imagination of science fiction or fantasy. Others developed from random historical facts or the disturbing news stories of war-torn regions.This is a collection of stories for those who like to think.Includes 4 award-winning short stories."I enjoyed every story in Tendrils! I am impressed with the versatility and well thought out environment in each setting. Obviously good research was put into writing these stories as well as a wonderful gift of empathy with a delightful touch of practical wisdom. In my opinion the last story would even make a good movie!" (Cynthia)"An excellent compilation of short stories over different genres. I was highly impressed by the quality of the writing and her use of words, which dragged me in on every page." (Bookcollecter)"I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I had a hard time putting the book down. Some stories are short, some long. All are suspenseful & of different genre. I am amazed at her extensive vocabulary and her overall knowledge on so many subjects. Her imagination takes you on a great trip every time with every story. None are ever boring. I highly recommend this latest book of hers. You will not be disappointed. Sit back & take yourself on an adventure. You will learn something too along the way." (Paul and Patti L. Jordan)
SAMPLE FROM THE SHORT STORY "A CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE"Orion gave a quick scan of the room. He needed to make sure he had everything important. His backpack was stuffed and the computer case held so much that there were edges of paper sticking out of it in a haphazard manner. The slender young man slung the strap of the computer bag over his shoulder, grabbed the backpack and headed for the front door. His hand paused as he reached for the knob and he looked out the window.It was dark and he could see the snow falling through the street lights. There didn’t seem to be anyone about, so he slipped from the house and walked casually to his trusty old Chevy, his breath coming out in rapid visible puffs. The nonchalance was an act. He wanted anyone watching to assume he was going to M.I.T. to get in some late night work. He scanned the shadows, hoping that no one was there. He threw his backpack on the passenger seat then wedged the computer case between it and the seat back. He wanted both within easy reach. Once buckled in, he allowed his nervousness to slip out and thoroughly checked the view from his mirrors.He eased onto the street and when there was no sign of his tires slipping, increased his speed. Orion reached into the pocket of the backpack for the pre-paid phone that he’d picked up when he determined his cell had been tapped. At the stop sign, he punched in a number. The snow flurries were increasing and he switched on the wipers. Orion waited for his friend to pick up.He smiled when he heard her voice and responded by saying, “I’m on my way and no one is following me. Just in case, I sent instructions to our safe place. Don’t worry about retrieving the envelope unless I don’t get there by morning. Okay. Gotta go. I’ll be at your door for breakfast with your favorite croissants. Have the coffee brewed.”Orion laughed at the response. “Okay. I need to concentrate on driving in this stuff. See you soon, Chayse. Bye.”Beyond the stop sign, the road sloped to a picturesque country bridge, one of many that dotted the New England states. He had to admit it was beautiful in the snowfall but with the driving conditions worsening, he focused on how the car responded to his small adjustments in steering. In the weak light, he didn’t notice the watcher standing in the shelter of some trees on the far side of the road. The muffled figure took a box out of his pocket, pointed it at the car and pushed a button. The loud sibilant schwuff of the slush hitting the car’s undercarriage drowned out the pop.Without any warning, Orion’s power steering quit. Working to compensate on the slick road, he fought to correct the fish-tailing motion of the car. “Shit!” He tapped the brakes and was horrified as his foot went all the way to the floor.Fighting the wheel and the momentum of the old Chevy on the slippery surface became his entire focus…and he was losing. He tried gearing down and applying the emergency brake, but the car went into a spin and he caught a glimpse of the bridge railing coming up too fast. “Shit!” The car broke through the wooden barrier and sailed into the darkness over the side. Amazon ✯ Goodreads SUNSTONEAUTHOR: Holly BarboGENRE: Steampunk Thriller The steam-powered civilization of Myrn is a thriving adolescent culture. But the rapid industrial development has given rise to greed, and the triumvirate of government, banks and industry leaders has lost sight of those it is supposed to serve and protect.When a mysterious incurable illness sweeps through the impoverished masses, increasing the suffering to breaking point, rebellion seems unavoidable. Society is on the brink of revolution, and the planet is marked for destruction.M'nacht, his son Kes, and his team of researchers investigate a legend about three sacred fossils that could save the people and rebalance Myrn. However, they are not the only ones looking. Where they see salvation, others see power, wealth and control. Will the gifts from the goddess Navora be found in time to save their world, or will the sacrifice of innocents be lost under the weight of human depravity and corruption? “Kes, M’nacht’s been attacked! He is in a bad way. I’m at Paramount Hospital now. He’s in surgery and I don’t have any information. I came back from the market to find the place crawling with security officers and M’nacht bleeding and broken on the floor. The room was a mess, as if someone was determined to find something. The officers wanted me to straighten up after they had gotten their evidence. I couldn’t find anything missing, but I did find M’nacht had programed a message bot and left it docked on the dash-key. Kes—he had set it on a timer to call in the alarm! Damn him! He had known they were coming and sent a delayed call for help! He took that beating when he could have prevented it! This morning before I left, he had mentioned for me to keep in touch with you if he couldn’t. I didn’t think much about it at the time. Anyway, I want you to know I’m here and watching out for him. Knowing that maddening old man, he probably sent you a message too. Whatever it was—heed it!” Kes ran a shaky hand over his face and let out a shuddering breath. The steam car beeped its proximity to their destination. Kes took over the controls and parked in his space. The messages had rattled him enough that he braked the vehicle with a jolt instead of his normal smooth skill. He would rather be by his adopted father’s side, but the old man’s words kept playing in his mind. He needed to get to M’nacht’s place in the Heights as nonchalantly as possible and let himself in. It sounded like the home could be under surveillance. It didn’t matter who was watching: the law or thugs. He couldn’t be seen and he had to get in and out as fast as possible. This was the last twi-day. Perhaps the gloom would help. Pulling out a bulky sweater and a hat to disguise himself, he slipped the pack on his back and left the garage. His vacation could wait a few minutes. When Kes got to the house, he furtively stepped off the sidewalk and behind some concealing bushes, then, crouching low, sprinted. He let himself into the empty house and, moving with as much rapid stealth as he could, went to M’nacht’s study. He glanced at the blood stains on the rug, the shards of a broken vase and the pile of books that Quin had organized as he’d tidied up. Wasting no time, Kes strode to the navorite and tapped a rhythm on the base. There was an almost inaudible whirring and a click as the gears engaged and the door opened. Kes listened to the silent house, then stepped inside the closet. He quickly removed the sweater and hat, stuffing them in the pack. The peepholes showed he was still alone in the room, so he turned to the work space. He glanced at the shelves and the armored wall safe but nothing appeared abnormal. On the narrow countertop was a small pile of items: a hand-sized leather-bound journal that looked very old and a small silk bag. On the top of both was a moon-pearl blossom. Kes knew that M’nacht loved those flowers. He picked it up. It had been cut that morning and still held traces of dew. Kes knew that the flower marked the small pile as if it had a sign with his name on it. He stowed the journal in his pack and the small bag into his vest pocket. His hand paused as he pulled out his little fossil. Somehow everything tied back to the little navorite he’d found in the Cradle. He started to slip it back in his pocket when his attention was suddenly drawn to the peepholes. Two men and a woman were silhouetted in the study’s archway. They were using hand signals to each other and carrying cudgels. His heart began to pound and he moved to check if he had completely secured the door. It was still open a crack. With gentle pressure, he closed it, but there was a whisper of a click. One of the men whirled and leaned into the room. From beneath an overturned chair, the little robo-cleaner hummed into view. The man swore under his breath but stepped into the room anyway. The other two silently followed. His heart was pounding as he peered through the hidden peepholes, watching the man get closer. Suddenly, Kes felt the air stir. There was a tang to the scent which reminded him of the sea. A heartbeat later, the hidden security closet was empty. Amazon ✯ Goodreads ✯  ✯  ✯  ✯  ✯✯  ✯  ✯  ✯  ✯ Holly's world is shaped by her love of family, the beauty of the natural world and an irrepressible creative drive. She has always been curious and sees life through questions. These four characteristics color her writing voice and her stories frequently evolve from her asking "What if....?" Her tales tend to have non-urban settings with nature contributing to the plot, building discordant themes inside a seemingly peaceful refrain. My motto: Weaving Alternative Worlds with Threads From Today.AMAZON ✯ WEBSITE ✯ FACEBOOK ✯ GOODREADS ✯ PINTEREST ✯ TWITTER ✯ PGP AUTHOR PAGE ✯ PGP PINTEREST ✯ NEWSLETTER BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR

Then Comes Love By Lindsay Detwiler

Three generations of women,Three second loves,All with a dose of chaos mixed in.Author: Lindsay DetwilerTitle: Then Comes LoveGenre: ChickLitRelease Date: March 18thPublisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Sometimes in life, changes can be good…
After losing her husband, her five cats, and her home, Charlotte Noel hates feeling dependent. As Charlotte tries to find her identity in this new stage of life, she comes to realize that drama never ends, dance aerobics can be a war zone, and love is always a possibility.
You never know when a midlife crisis is going to strike…
Charlotte’s daughter, Annie, is going through struggles of her own. Recently divorced, she is feeling frumpy and worn-out. Run ragged, Annie mourns her youth and wonders where her life is headed, all while hoping she can help her daughter Amelia get it together.
Settling down can be overrated, especially when you’re falling for a rock star look-alike…
Amelia is the wild child of the family. Working three jobs, because she just hasn’t figured out what she wants in life, she realizes happiness isn’t always settling down with a steady, dependable man; sometimes it’s about following your true passion and living on the edge.
No matter what age you are, life and love can be crazy…
Facebook I Twitter I WebsiteAn high school English teacher, an author, and a fan of anything pink and/or glittery, Lindsay's the English teacher cliché; she love cats, reading, Shakespeare, and Poe.
She currently lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad (her junior high sweetheart); their cats, Arya, Amelia, Alice, and Bob; and their Mastiff, Henry.
Lindsay's goal with her writing is to show the power of love and the beauty of life while also instilling a true sense of realism in her work. Some reviewers have noted that her books are not the “typical romance.” With her novels coming from a place of honesty, Lindsay examines the difficult questions, looks at the tough emotions, and paints the pictures that are sometimes difficult to look at. She wants her fiction to resonate with readers as realistic, poetic, and powerful. Lindsay wants women readers to be able to say, “I see myself in that novel.” She wants to speak to the modern woman’s experience while also bringing a twist of something new and exciting. Her aim is for readers to say, “That could happen,” or “I feel like the characters are real.” That’s how she knows she's done her job.
Lindsay's hope is that by becoming a published author, she can inspire some of her students and other aspiring writers to pursue their own passions. She wants them to see that any dream can be attained and publishing a novel isn’t out of the realm of possibility. a Rafflecopter giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ea80a6ed147

Deceived by Samyah Leighton.

DECEIVEDBook 1 of the Redemption Series AUTHOR: Samyah Leighton
GENRE: Erotic Romance A lie tore them apart… A truth will bring them back together.Fifteen years ago Jackson Delaney met Skylar Deveraux. It was love at first sight. He adored her. He trusted her. And she betrayed him. Breaking things off, he left her behind and never expected to see her again.Heartbroken and angry, Jackson forced himself to move on with his life but not before swearing off committed relationships forever. Love had made a fool of him once, he swore never to let it happen again. After graduating from college he got drafted into the NFL.With the help of time Jackson was able to put the past behind him. Now at thirty-six-years-old he believes he’s living his dream. He’s rich, famous and a celebrated NFL quarterback who can have anyone woman he sets his sights on. His life is perfect until the death of his brother and sister-in-law unearths some devastating secrets from the past that forces him to question everything he thought he knew about his life.All of the people who were supposed to love him are involved in some duplicitous schemes to conceal the truth from him and Skylar is at the center of the biggest scheme of them all. Now he must find Skylar to get the truth from her.How will he handling seeing her again after all this time? Will the extreme passion they once shared still burn hot between them? And if so, can he ever forgive her deceptions and be able to reclaim the only woman he has ever loved?
My eyes flutter open and I try to focus. There’s a face close to mine…I jump up and our heads bang together then I roll off his lap onto the floor. “Ouch! Shit!” I put my hand to my forehead.“Damn it, Skylar!” Jackson says with his right eye squeezed tightly shut and his hand to his forehead.“Why are you damning me?” I ask. “You’re the one who scared me half to death. What the hell are you doing here?”“Well, hello to you too. I’m doing fine. Thanks for asking.” He stands up and extends his hand to me to help me off the floor. I’m reluctant to grab it; it’s been fifteen years since the last time I touched this man.“I’m not going to bite, Skylar,” he says, flashing that sexy smirk of his. I see the dare in his eyes and I refuse to chicken out. Taking his hand, a current runs up my arm and down my spine. Before I can pay it much attention, he yanks me up from the floor. I stumble a bit and he pulls me in close to stabilize my balance. My hands grip his well-toned biceps and they flex beneath my fingertips. I gasp.
This was an excellent read. It is hard to believe that this is Ms. Leighton first book. Sky and Jackson characters were well developed. This is a book that you won't be able to put down.The story line captivates you from the first chapter and doesn't let you go. By spark64 on February 14, 2016 (verified review)
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ The first thing I have to say about this book is OMG what an awesome book this is. The book is a real page turner. I had a little bit of problem to get into the story but after a chapter, I was stuck. The books has everything you can wish for, passion, deception, betrayal, romance and suspense. The mix of everything makes this book so good and makes me emotional. I did feel so much when reading the book, I laughed and I cried. I must say that this book is very well written and when I found out that this is the authors debute novel I was surprised. It shows so much talent and I would guess this is written from some one who has a lot of experience. No matter what the book is so well written and you feel and knows that their so much time and effort put into the book. As a reader you feel it and you feel the art in every word. By Angelica Berglund on February 11, 2016 AMAZON~Kindle ✯ AMAZON~Paperback ✯ GOODREADS Book 2 Amazon ✯ Goodreads Samyah Leighton is a loving wife and mother of four. She's always had a passion for writing and storytelling. She loves to read. Romance and erotica are her favorites genre. Samyah loves all kinds of animals and movies and music. She loves to cook and bake and window shop. She finds beauty in all types of love. For the most part Samyah enjoys the simple things in life.Twitter ✯ Amazon ✯ Instagram ✯ Facebook ✯ Goodreads a Rafflecopter giveaway BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR

MoonBeams of Unintended Consequences by Muffy Wilson

​​ MOONBEAMS OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCESAUTHOR: Muffy Wilson
GENRE: Contemporary Romantic ~ Romantic Erotica THAT night...SHE wore a flowing, form fitted white spaghetti strapped gown that cascaded in tumbled silken folds to her abdomen and revealed her breath in the soft rise of her alabaster breasts. Her eyes reflected an emerald depth with gold flecks that edged to hazel and were framed by neat, arched brows that narrowed to her temples where her heartbeat announced the rhythm of her life. Her only adornment was a starkly white gardenia nestled in the curves of her auburn curls. The heavy floral fragrance of the corsage announced her arrival as she glided elegantly to her aisle and settled, like a dove, into her center seat. She was alone...but not for long. Would she regret her indulgence?HE was a towering, self-assured giant of a black man, chest broad and arms outstretched in opulent black leather. His dark mahogany eyes locked irresistibly onto her and declared his desire. The opera house erupted with his full bass-baritone harmony. His musical seduction began, and his hypnotic gaze was met by her eager response as she answered his desire with a blush. His hypnotic gaze met her heated blush with hunger.THEY spent an insatiable night together in Room 457 of the Historic Whitcomb Hotel locked in a magnetic embrace riding moonbeams of passion and ribbons of desire. He took her to the edge, to a special volcanic place inside, somewhere she had never before been and never been since: fiery, impatient, burning, yearning. That magnetic connection fueled a love that wove them irretrievably together in ways that only the future would disclose--a future neither of them ever anticipated.Would the only man she could turn to help, as the secrets of the past reveal her betrayal?
“A bientot, mem’selle,” he had said. She hung on every word with rapt expectation for their next meeting as he moved into the crowd of admirers.She watched as he worked the room, seducing male and female alike with his charisma and brilliance. He was a master in the simple ministration of his charm. He spoke with confidence, smiled at nonsensical nervous banter and made everyone most relaxed in his presence with an effortless touch.The night edged on and she resigned she was like all the others, seduced by the sheer presence of the man. She sought out the Morrisons and bid them a grateful goodnight. She went into the library where her wrap was hung. A manly black hand extended and took it from her grip and as she spun, he curled her into his embrace with her shawl.“My room key at the Hotel Whitcomb. The town car service I called to take you there is waiting outside. Room 457. Have I presumed too much, mem’selle?” as he pressed himself into her body and the key card into her hand. The low melodious tone of his voice melted any thought of resistance.“I, ah…No, you have not presumed beyond expectation. I long to taste you; I ache to feel you inside me, truly, and I thank you for your discretion. The Morrisons are long time friends of my parents who don’t yet consider me a grown woman,” she smiled into his down-turned eyes and smelled his heat.He ran his fingertips from the wrap on her shoulder down the inside of her arm to the soft swell of her breast and lingered. His fingers caressed her naked flesh under her arm above the cut on the satin of her gown. Her knees buckled under the weight of her desire and he caught her as she fell into his full embrace.“Oh, God,” she breathlessly gasped and looked up into his dark eyes. “Do all women respond to you like this?”“You are not all women. Go, now. I will be there within the hour. Sooner if I can get myself out of here. Room 457, do not forget. It isn’t written on the card.” He bent and put his full lips, so soft, warm and pliant, on hers in a sweet parting kiss.Jordan reached up and touched his ebony cheek, in a promise, then left for the town car waiting out front.* * * * *When he arrived, he wore a black, red silk lined cape black as he. He shed it to the easy chair and crossed the room in three long strides. He cupped her left cheek in his right palm, magically raised her to her feet in one motion, clasp her flute of champagne in his left hand, then set it on the table. He wrapped his left arm around her waist and pulled her into him and off her feet with a kiss. She melted to his will, sharing it beyond measure.She thought she died in his embrace, time so seemed to arrest. And in some ways, she did die. She relinquished all that was she, opened herself to him and him alone in ways she had never before done or felt. She was electrified by his touch, magnetized by his kiss - destined to be his.No, she did not die in his embrace but came alive in his arms. AMAZON ✯ SMASHWORDS ✯ B&N ✯ KOBO ✯ GANXY ✯ ALL ROMANCE BOOKS ✯ iTUNES ✯ XINXii ✯ GOODREADS Muffy, author of provocative romance about love, sex, hope and passion, was born in Texas to traditional parents. With two older brothers, she was the youngest, the family "princess," indulged and pampered. Her father was a career Colonel and pilot in the U.S. Air Force which required the family to travel extensively. Muffy spent her formative years in Europe and 'came of age' in France which forged her joie de vivre and love for books, writing and education. Married and living in the tropical paradise of SW Florida along the Gulf Coast, Muffy dabbles in real estate, writes and enjoys life in the sun with her husband and wee Havanese pup, Burt. ~ Live, Laugh, Love with PassionWebsite ✯ Blog ✯ Twitter ✯ AmazonAuthorPage ✯ DitterVerse ✯ Facebook ✯ FBFanPage ✯ YouTubeTrailers ✯ MailingList ✯ Google+ ✯ LinkedIn ✯ Tumblr ✯ Pinterest ✯ Triberr ✯ TSU ✯ Wordpress ✯ Ganxy ✯ XinXii ✯ Kobo ✯ iTunesBooks ✯ Barnesand Noble ✯ AllRomanceeBooks ✯ Smashwords ✯ Goodreads ✯ Yellow Silk Dreams Publishing ✯ The Romance Review ✯ Authorgraph ✯ AuthorsInfo ✯ Manic Readers ✯ The Muffy Wilson Daily ✯ Muffy Wilson Literotica ✯ Cheerleaders in Heat News BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR

Choice by Enemies by M.A. Richard

CHOICE OF ENEMIESBook 1 of A Nathan Monsarrat Thiller AUTHOR: M A RichardsGENRE: Thriller/Espionage EDITOR: Janice Rhayem of Sunbury PressCOVER DESIGNER: Amber Rendon of Sunbury Press
CHOICE OF ENEMIES is the first in a series of espionage novels featuring Nathan Monsarrat, a retired Central Intelligence Agency deep cover operative with an extensive knowledge of black gold and expertise in weapons, women, and Benjamins.Light sweet crude is the mother’s milk of the Niger Delta.As the price for each barrel of oil rises on the international markets and the stakes for securing the black gold increase, a consortium of American oil companies and the Central Intelligence Agency plot to secure the flow of the crude.In Africa, though, plans unravel as quickly as cheap socks, and promises between partners have the lifespan of a mayfly.Nathan, now a Dean at a small college in Massachusetts, is visited by his former mentor at the Agency, who offers him a blunt choice: either travel to the Dark Continent to lay the groundwork for the coup d'état, or condemn the woman who saved his life to a brutal execution.Out of options, he returns to Africa, where he discovers that the Agency plans to reward his services with an oil soaked grave.Assisted by a coterie of new and old allies, including a beautiful vor with a thirst for power and a yeshiva bocher with a fondness for Armani suits, as well as his own sharp intelligence, considerable wit, and substantial charm, Nathan parries the Agency, circumvents the consortium, and exacts his own vengeance. In doing so, he learns that his choice of friends is as important as his choice of enemies. I. THE DELTAIN THE COOL OF THE AFRICAN DAWNIn the cool of the African dawn, six armored Suburbans bulled through the sodden Delta jungle toward Bonny Island. In their wake, whirlwinds of red dirt billowed upward toward the crown canopy. Inside the vehicles, frigid air filtered the jungle stench of rot and decay. Felix Sanhedrin, a twenty-five-year veteran of covert operations in Africa and the Middle East, sat on the rear bench of the convoy’s second Suburban like Allan Quatermain returned to the Dark Continent. White linen slacks, a blue Oxford shirt, a silk ascot, and a freshly pressed, khaki bush jacket adorned his thin frame. A device more computer than chronometer rested on his left wrist. His felt slouch hat boasted a faux leopard-skin band, and his canvas jungle boots gleamed. A Glock 19 nested in a leather holster on his right hip.Sanhedrin’s new boots rested atop two green, canvas duffel bags stuffed withBenjamin Franklins, and he carried with him, like a talisman, the blessings of the Mandarins who guided the operations of the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Virginia. Despite their stated policy to never negotiate with the enemies of the United States, Sanhedrin had convinced the éminences grises to ransom his assistant, Nathan Monsarrat, from the rebel group called Fighters Against Terror in Africa, or FATA.He issued orders like a young boy presenting Santa Claus with his Christmas list.“First rule: I’m in charge, and my word is law. Second rule: we take only Monsarrat with us. Final rule: my money’s bought your silence. Neither you nor your shooters nor your medics will speak of this mission to anyone. Never repeat, never. Capish, my new friend?”Next to Sanhedrin, Mark Palmer wore funereal black, a shooter’s vest, tee shirt,tactical pants, jungle boots, baseball cap, Nomex gloves, and sunglasses. Years beneath the African sun had braised his face and arms. He was clean shaven, and his hair was cut in a brown bristle. Military tattoos covered both his forearms, and blue veins latticed his knotted muscles. He carried an M4 rifle, a brace of Heckler and Koch P30 pistols in nylon holsters strapped to his thighs, a combat knife, commo gear, and four P30 magazines looped onto his belt. The shooter’s vest held extra M4 mags.He spoke with a soft, southern drawl. “Five by five, Mr. Scarnagh. No worries. We were never here.”Sanhedrin had declared himself to Palmer by his work name, Fineghan Scarnagh. He operated under the letters F and S, keeping with the monograms on his shirt cuffs. Felix and Fineghan. Sanhedrin and Scarnagh. “You should call me Fineghan. After all, we’re in the same line of work.”“What line of work would that be, if you don’t mind my asking?”“I’m an independent oil consultant. I work with firms in Africa. Occasionally in Russia. Often in the Middle East.”“Funny we haven’t met before, me being the chief of security for the biggest oil services company in Africa,” Palmer offered.Sanhedrin prided himself on his light touch. “I’m a traveling oil gun for hire.”Palmer smiled politely. “Have you worked with my company previously, Fineghan?”Sanhedrin admitted that he had not experienced the pleasure. “What about you, Mark? How’d you get into the oil business?”Palmer gestured toward the two men in the front of the Suburban. “We’re specialists—Frank, Joe, and me. We have skill sets that oil companies find attractive.”“Former army?” Sanhedrin asked, although he had memorized the personal history of every man and woman in the convoy.Shafts of golden sunlight as thin as reeds cast shadowed patterns on the hardscrabble road. Joe Marinelli drove the Suburban, while Frank Rollins navigated in the shotgun seat. They might have been clones of Palmer. They wore the same clothes and carried the same equipment, save each sported a mustache, closely trimmed beard, and hair plaited into a single braid, blonde for Rollins and brown for Marinelli.“Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea, South Sudan,” Palmer replied. “You name it, if it’s in the shit, we fought there.”“Rangers for Joe and me,” Rollins answered.“Scrolls, not tabs,” Marinelli added. “Mark was a Special Forces light bird. Compared to him, Frank and me are cub scouts.”Compliments bored Palmer. “Monsarrat also claimed to be an independent oil consultant. Like you, he worked in Africa, Russia, and the Middle East.”“You know him?” Sanhedrin inquired.“We met a few times in Abuja and Lagos. Port Harcourt, more often.”“It’s a small world, isn’t it?”Palmer recited his sums for Sanhedrin. “In my small world, people who claim to be independent oil consultants are usually CIA spooks. Not that I have anything against spooks, other than they can’t be trusted.”“I’m sorry for your hard times,” Sanhedrin commiserated, “although I’m not your usual independent oil consultant.”“Roger that,” Palmer agreed, “you carrying a Glock on your hip.”“It’s just window dressing,” Sanhedrin answered modestly. “Did you have problem cashing my check?”“Your payment sailed through the bank.”“Is it my couture that bothers you?”Palmer had attempted to trace the background of Fineghan Scarnagh. His head hurt from banging it against the maze of brick walls he had encountered. “Truthfully, I smell Agency all over you.”Sanhedrin brushed his fingertips across the holster. “My cologne upsets you?”In the front of the Suburban, Rollins and Marinelli eyed the dirt road for threats while listening hard to the conversation. Each bore scars from prior Langley operations.“In my experience,” Palmer continued, “when the Agency runs an operation, things usually turn south real fast, and the shit splatters everyone involved, save the boys and girls from Langley. So I’m only asking for confirmation.”“Confirmation of what, exactly?”Palmer exuded patience. “Confirmation this is Langley’s operation.”“Me? An Agency spy? Perish the thought!” Sanhedrin protested.Palmer’s distrust of the man next to him increased each time he uttered a sentence. “If you say so, Fineghan. What about Monsarrat?”“I have no clue,” Sanhedrin deadpanned. “We’ve never met.”In Palmer’s weltanschauung, the most dangerous spooks supplied the glibbest answers. “Yet, you’re here to ransom him from the rebels.”“Like I said, Mark, I’m a traveling oil gun for hire. I take the shit jobs nobody else wants or can pull off.”“You’re also a specialist?”“In my own area of operations.”Sanhedrin rubbed a smudge of dirt from the toe of his right boot against the driver’s seat. “Tell me about Monsarrat.”“He’s a big, smart, tough guy.”“It sounds like you were friends.”“I wouldn’t say friends,” Palmer corrected. “More like professional associates. I was sorry to hear the rebels took him from the oil rig, but until you called my bosses, I had no brief to go after him.”Sanhedrin appreciated men with military backgrounds. They accepted their roles without the sturm und drang civilians brought to operations. He prodded the conversation in a new direction. “How many shooters are you holding in reserve?”“A half dozen with the Blackhawks, a few miles from our destination. If the balloon goes up, they’ll ride to our rescue like Valkyries with rotors.”“Let’s hope none of us is headed for Valhalla,” Sanhedrin sniffed. I adore this book! M. A. Richards is a first-time author, but I rank CHOICE OF ENEMIES with the best novels of Martin Cruz Smith and Daniel Silva. The novel is written with passion, excitement, and knowledge – Richards certainly knows the dirty world of government and espionage. His pacing is taut, and his language is a joy to read. His sense of location is superb; I smelled the stench of oil in the Delta and felt the heat of the desert in Namibia. Most importantly, Nathan Monsarrat is one of the most likeable heroes I’ve met. When the novel ended (I read it in 48 hours), I was sad that the adventure was over but thrilled I had discovered Nathan Monsarrat. Also, Nathan’s antagonist, Felix Sanhedrin, is a delicious villain, a manipulative, dishonest, and neurotic full-bodied character. The relationship between Nathan and Felix is subtly drawn by Richards and is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this excellent novel. I grant it five stars and recommend it 100%! By Y. H. Park on January 19, 2016 AMAZON ~ GOODREADS M. A. Richards is the author of the Nathan Monsarrat international espionage novels.Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Studies from Connecticut College and his Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.During a career as a Cultural Attaché in the Department of State that spanned more than two decades, he served in Baghdad, Jerusalem, Lagos, Moscow, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Washington, D.C. He also served at U.S. Pacific Command in Honolulu as the Special Advisor to the Commander. He speaks Arabic, Hebrew, Korean, and Russian.M. A. divides his time between Palm Beach and Tel Aviv, where he indulges his passions for motorcycles, photography, and archaeology.AMAZON ✯ WEBSITE ✯ FACEBOOK~PERSONAL ✯ FACEBOOK~AUTHOR ✯ GOODREADS ✯ TWITTER a Rafflecopter giveaway BLOGGER PARTICIPATION LIST FOR THIS TOUR