April 21st, 2012 | 
Author: 
Kiss Me Slowly by Amber Lea Easton
Publisher: BookStrand.com
Genres: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Length: 315 Pages
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/rUH17M
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/vafDAb
Bookstrand: http://bit.ly/v0HczI
Summary:
Trapped in a set-up that could have him in jail or dead by Monday, Jonathan Alexander trusts no one in his inner circle. It’s Saturday. His only hope is Grace Dupont, the best forensic accountant in Miami. But there’s a glitch with that idea. She’s also his ex-girlfriend who’d rather watch him drown than throw him a life vest. Going to her feels desperate…because he is.
Grace enjoys seeing Jonathan squirm. On your knees boy, she thinks as he pitches for her help. Always a sucker for the dark-haired-blue-eyed boys, she risks her precariously balanced life of secrets to help him. Helping him slaps a target on her back–she’s the key to proving his innocence and that’s a bad, bad thing.
Tangled up in a whirlwind of conspiracy, murder, million dollar money trails and diamond smuggling, Jonathan and Grace flee to the sea to stall for time to prove his innocence. Romance sizzles beneath Florida Keys’ sunshine. Both scoff at happy endings. Both doubt justice. Both know each kiss could be their last.
Excerpt:
“You have blood on your dress.” He fingered the strap in question that had slipped off her shoulder. “You should probably take it off.”
“Careful. We can’t go there.” Sand clung to her neck and stuck to the tangles in her hair. The light from the bedside lamp shadowed her face.
“I meant change out of it, not…well, maybe I meant take it off. But then we’d be crossing lines that you don’t want to cross.” He let his fingers trail down her arm. “That would be wrong. Terribly wrong.”
“You are nothing but trouble.”
“You always liked trouble.” He rested his right palm against the bed, supporting his weight on his healthy arm.
“Listen carefully to me.” She pressed her finger against his lips. “I’m high on adrenaline, we’re alone, no witnesses, no regrets. One kiss won’t hurt anyone.”
“No witnesses, no regrets…” Heat flooded his veins. “Adrenaline…”
“If I don’t do this now, I’ll hate myself in the morning.”
“You mean you’ll regret it when they lock me up in the morning and throw away the key because you didn’t kiss me one last time?”
“Exactly.” She straddled his lap.
“You weren’t supposed to agree.” He smiled despite the circumstances.
“Shut up, sailor boy. Kiss me.”
She kissed him as if savoring the taste. Her hair fell forward, locking them in a caramel-colored veil of intimacy. Eyes open, they stared at each other as their lips moved against each other’s.
His hands slid up her long thighs, over her panties and pressed against the smoothness of her back. Every stroke of her lips against his awakened pure need in his veins. He no longer cared about what was right or wrong. All he wanted was her mouth on his, his hands on her body and her skin against his.
With a quick yank, she pulled her dress over her head. Breasts bared, she pressed him down on the bed and laughed against his mouth. “This is crossing all kinds of boundaries and breaking every rule I can think of.”
“Just like the old days.” He smiled against her lips. His hands moved over her bared breasts. The pain in his shoulder failed to slow him down. He didn’t know who groaned or if they both did, but the sensation of her flesh filling his palms trumped common sense.
Her bare foot slid over his leg, hands curled into his hair, and body flattened against his. All the anger, the terror and confusion poured from him as he deepened the kiss with an urgency that bordered on desperation. The silky warmth of her mouth erased his pain. Kissing her felt like coming home from an exhausting, lonely journey.
“A kiss…that’s all I wanted,” she muttered against his chin. A shiver quaked through her body when she sighed.
“I want more.”
“Impossible. We can’t.”
“We can do whatever the hell we want, Grace.” Despite the burning pain in his left shoulder, he maneuvered so that his body covered hers. He wanted more than a kiss. He wanted more heat.
The World Needs Romance
by Amber Lea Easton
When people discover that I write romance, I usually get the following questions as a response: Why write romance? Don’t you want to write something more serious, more relevant? In return, I ask, what’s more relevant than love?
Love makes a life.
I loved my late husband. He made me laugh, told me every day how much he loved me, opened my mind to things I would never have tried, and balanced my frantic energy with his more mellow self. But when he killed himself, people wanted me to hate him. I have actually been asked, “why don’t you hate him?” I don’t hate him because I loved him. He was more than a guy who killed himself. He was the guy I married, the father of my children, the man who made my heart skip a beat every time I saw him. He lived well and died young. How he died is irrelevant; how well he loved is all that matters now.
Love heals.
It is often easier to be angry or bitter rather than forgiving and loving. I don’t know why this is, but I have found it to be true. People tend to see anger as a sign of intelligence or as a signal to others that they can’t be messed with. Back off, the anger or bitterness shouts to protect a wounded heart. I know this tactic. My former mother-in-law and I have had our differences since Sean’s suicide. We played the blame game. What we both lost sight of was the fact that we both loved the same man–she her son and me my husband. From that mutual love comes healing for ourselves and for the children involved. As with most things, underneath the anger and bitterness is love waiting to be recognized.
Love hopes.
I am fortunate to know a lot of great couples–happily married or simply building a life together. They have endured loss, trauma, financial issues, health challenges, alcohol abuse or gambling problems yet are still standing. They stay together through the ups and downs not out of co-dependency or need, but because they love one another. Their love gives them hope that tomorrow will be better. Their love gives them hope that the bad times are temporary. Their love gives them hope because they know that no matter what loss or challenge is thrown at them, they have each other. They walk with the gods because they know love is not always blissful or secure–rather it is messy and needs attention. They know the secret.
I write about love because I believe in its power to overcome everything–even if my storyline throws in some spies, human smugglers, kidnappers, murderers or what-not. My intent as a romance writer is to lift people from their everyday troubles and entertain them for a few hours. Maybe I will make a difference in a small way if I can make them smile or forget. More importantly to me, writing about love–with some twists and turns thrown in for fun–makes me happy.
I believe that the world needs more romance and laughter. When we are old or sick or scared, what is more relevant than love?
About the Author
Amber Lea Easton grew up in Hartford, South Dakota, where she spent her time daydreaming of big adventures over the horizon under a giant blue South Dakota sky. Now living in Colorado, she is an avid traveler who incorporates her real life travels into her novels as much as possible (minus the illegal activities her characters become immersed in–she swears). To her, setting is another character in the novel and often serves as an inspiration. Although she is a romantic suspense author, she’s an avid reader of all genres or “whatever turns her on in the moment”. Love is her motivation for all things–whether it be writing, traveling, playing with her dogs or hanging with her two teenagers–if it’s not done with love, then what’s the point?
To stay up to date with Amber Lea Easton’s new releases and events, check out her website at http://www.amberleaeaston.com, subscribe to her author blog at http://amberleaeaston.blogspot.com or email her at amber@amberleaeaston.com. Follow her on Twitter as @MtnMoxieGirl or on Facebook.
The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop is being sponsored by The Blog Hop Spot. The hop will begin on April 6, 2012 and end at midnight on April 8, 2012.
Giveaway 1: Savage Hunger by Shelli Stevens (U.S. Canadian, and International Residents)
Giveaway 2: Something About You by Julie James (U.S. Canadian, and International Residents)
SHERRY S.
ANNE M.
The book is in your mailbox. Enjoy!
Life in Death by Harlow Coban
Series: Kari Marchant Series, Book 1
Publisher: Wine Not Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Length: 64 pages
Summary:
When a girl that social worker Kari Marchant places in foster care is brutally murdered, she’s compelled to learn why. Her quest for the truth pits her against friends and coworkers. As Kari works to solve the horrific plot, more people die. How far should she go to learn the truth—even if it threatens her life?
When homicide detective Rance Nicolet meets Kari, his attraction to her is powerful—and the feeling is mutual. But things between them go terribly wrong when Kari’s old lover is found murdered with a letter from her in his pocket. The evidence against Kari is damning. Rance’s personal and professional lives collide. Does he blindly believe the woman he’s falling in love with or follow the evidence no matter where it leads?
AJ’s Review:
OMG! Life in Death by Harlow Coban is one of the most riveting, fast-paced, action-packed mysteries that I’ve read in a long time. Ms. Coban takes the reader on an adventurous ride with twists and turns that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat begging for more.
Things are not what they seem in Life in Death. The engaging characters will keep you engrossed with their lies, deceit, and hidden agendas. Although Kari Marchant is the primary character in this scintilating story of murder, madness, and mayhem; the secondary characters all blend in well to increase the depth and complexity of the plot. I just have to say it… after reading Life in Death, you will not know what hit you. I’m still shaking as my mind works to process everything that happened in this well-written story.
Ms. Coban has created the perfect amount of suspense, angst, and thrill to keep you biting your nails until the very end wondering who the murder really is. Normally, I can figure out the culprit before the story is over, but this was not the case with Life in Death. What I liked most about the plot is the way Ms. Coban allowed the story to play out by providing the reader with a few clues here and there without revealing who the real murderer is in the story. Yet, I must reiterate that things are not always what they seem. There is one thing that’s still niggling at the back of my mind and that’s in regards to the captain and how he discovered who the real murder was. That’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to reveal anymore.
There were a few editing problems, such as Kari and one of the secondary characters being switched in a sentence, but it only happened once and wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story. In addition, it’s obvious that Ms. Coban has either been a social worker or has really done her homework in regards to the profession of a social worker because each step Kari took in regards to her job was very believable. As I continue to ponder over the events and how they played out in Life and Death, I still have more questions. I think I need to drop Ms. Coban an email because I can’t ask them here without giving away a vital part of the story.
If you’re looking for an awesome thriller that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride with Kari as her fears and the past collide, then Life in Death is definitely the book to read. This delightful story is what reading mysteries is all about. Life in Death has all of the elements that a compelling mystery should have: a strong damsel in distress, a handsome hero, a sociopath for a murderer, a bad copy with an attitude, vulnerable children who end up dead, and so many twists and turns that you will be guessing until the very end. If you love mysteries, you need to grab Life in Death by Harlow Coban because it will ROCK YOUR WORLD!
Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!
EXCERPT
“Frost. Call on line one.” The voice boomed overhead and interrupted Scott Frost mid-climb. He jumped off his truck, pushed up the sleeves on his dingy green work shirt and walked to the phone mounted on the wall, his face a scowl of irritation.
He grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”
“They found Patience,” his wife, Andrea, whispered.
Mammoth garbage trucks rumbled and shook the walls as they rolled out into the street for the day’s work, their giant bellies hungry for trash. Scott strained to hear his wife over the noise.
“I told you never to call me here.”
“Do you know what they did to her?” Her voice rose an octave.
“Hold it together.” He clenched his fist and resisted the impulse to smash it through the wall. “She’s the one who ran off.”
“She didn’t deserve that. Nobody deserves that.”
The phone slipped a bit in his sweaty hand. Tolerance had never been one of Scott’s virtues, and what little he did have waned with each whiny word his wife uttered. “It’ll all be over soon, you know that.”
“They won’t let us out.”
He gnashed his teeth together until the noise in his head drowned out the roar of garbage trucks. The pumping of his heart escalated and Scott imagined he could feel his blood pressure rising.
“Damn it, Andrea, take a valium. These people are dangerous. They’ll kill us if we flake out.”
About the Author
Author Harlow Coban was born in Kansas City, MO, but grew up in Denver, CO. She relocated to North Carolina five years ago with her husband, two dogs, and 16-year old twins.
She shares a birthday with the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. In keeping with his legacy, she is currently working on taking over the world. Harlow’s positive attitude and fresh take on life are her tools and conquest is certain.
She spends her free time writing, dancing, traveling and defending mailboxes from her 16-year-old twins’ driving.
Her debut novel, LIFE IN DEATH (February 2012), is a murder mystery which pulls from real-life situations from her own family history. She felt compelled to share her story with the world while offering a thrilling, entertaining, and amusing escape for readers.
In keeping with her commitment to improving the lives of children, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her book will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club in her home state of North Carolina.
The author will be giving away a prize at every stop which may include (but isn’t limited to:
Amazon Gift Cards
Book Lover Note Cards
Journals
Kindle Cover
Book Tote
Hunger Games Trilogy
Post a comment below to enter the virtual book tour contest. If you follow the tour stops and comment on each blog, the more you comment, the better the chances for winning!
Harlow Coban’s Life In Death Virtual Book Tour Page On Goddess Fish Promotions
The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop is being sponsored by The Blog Hop Spot. The hop will begin on April 6, 2012 and end at midnight on April 8, 2012.
Giveaway 1: Savage Hunger by Shelli Stevens (U.S. Canadian, and International Residents)
Giveaway 2: Something About You by Julie James (U.S. Canadian, and International Residents)
Intuition by Jayne Fordham
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Other Purchase links coming soon
Barnes n’ Noble:
iBookstore:
Lulu (paperback available April 2012)
Summary:
Olive Morgan is not your typical psychologist. She can also access the memories of anyone she comes into contact with.
After an explosion in a Sydney shopping mall, Olive is enlisted alongside a team of ‘Elite’ consultants. She joins Canan Jones who can attune to the emotions of other people, including Olive. Initially, she distrusts the agency, but when another explosion threatens more lives Olive has no choice but to use her skill to prevent another disaster.
Is terrorism really at play or is the agency hiding the real reason behind these attacks?
Olive wants to solve the case, but her personal life is suffering. Despite having a boyfriend, she feels a connection brewing with Canan, who has an uncanny way of making her feel calm when life becomes overwhelming…
Intuition is a tale of supernatural suspense and the first book in the Elite Series.
Excerpt from Intuition, Book One of the Elite Series
By Jayne Fordham
Olive’s phone rang before she could locate the remote control. The phone number on the screen was blocked; she had no idea who would be calling her.
“Hello?” Olive asked tentatively.
“Olive Morgan?” A stern voice asked.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“My name is Regent. I work for a confidential agency with the government.”
“Um, hi,” she mumbled. She wondered if this was going to be some kind of sales pitch.
“You better turn on the news. There’s something you need to see,” he said firmly.
“Huh?” Olive was feeling a bit confused, but the man sounded quite serious, so she did as she was told. The remote had fallen between the cushions on the lounge, so she retrieved it and hit the power button.
An image of an explosion flooded the screen. Olive stood up straight, her eyes glued to the display.
“What’s that?” Nat cried, getting up from the table to come closer to the television.
Olive turned up the volume on the news channel where a young woman was now on the screen with a microphone. There was black smoke behind her and people running all over the place.
“An explosion in south-westSydneyhas caused havoc,” the reporter announced. “It is feared that many are dead and many more injured. The circumstances are considered suspicious at this stage.”
“Oh my gosh! This is so scary,” Nat gasped.
Olive was shaking. An explosion so close to home. They thought it was suspicious; she felt her stomach recoil. She placed the phone back to her ear.
“Who are you?” she asked suspiciously.
Developing a character
Many writers are told to write what they know. And while starting out as a writer, that’s what I have done. In my day job, I work as a psychologist, working from a model that our early experiences influence (but don’t dictate) who we become. I am fascinated by people, their relationships and what makes them tick and also what makes them resilient in the face of adversity.
In saying that, I also enjoy my time outside of psychology, time I have to recuperate and look after myself so that I can help my clients to the best of my ability. So, in my spare time I write. And read. I probably read more than I write. But I enjoy both equally.
A few years ago I delved into the world of fantasy (and paranormal/ sci-fi etc.) and there was something about this genre that really clicked for me. During the day, I would work as a psychologist, using my background in science to help people; during my time off I would read about worlds where people had special abilities and secret lives. The next step was to start writing about people with these abilities. My first novel, A Season of Transformation, is a young adult fantasy novel and this was my first attempt at writing a story in this world.
Once this project was completed, I had a nagging feeling that I wanted to write about a young psychologist who had special abilities. Even though I love my job, there’s something very appealing about working for a secret government agency using specialist skills. So I came up with the idea for the Elite Team, a group of consultants with special abilities who are recruited by a government agency. The protagonist, Olive Morgan is also a psychologist. She is in a bit of a rut in her job and is unhappy in her relationship and she has the ability to see into peoples’ memories when she touches them. When an explosion in aSydneyshopping mall causes havoc in the local community, Olive is approached by a government agency to utilize her skill and so the adventures begin.
I really enjoyed writing Olive’s story because it gave me the opportunity to write what I know as well as getting my daydreams down on paper!
If you have a secret fantasy job that you would like to do or an extension of a job you are already doing… I would love to hear about it!
Writing about the BIG issues
My novel, Intuition introduces Olive Morgan, who is not your typical psychologist. She has the ability to see other peoples’ memories through touch. Intuition mixes elements of the contemporary world with all its social issues and the fantasy/ supernatural world which comes with also presents its own ethical dilemmas. Even though Intuition examines characters with special abilities and they aim to solve an investigation… there are also many social issues raised in this story which I hope will connect with readers. Themes of mental illness, domestic violence and family conflict are presented in my novel.
Through Olive’s ability to see memories we catch a glimpse of a young woman, Kate who is in a long-standing domestic violence relationship. I didn’t want to stereotype her as a victim and cast her down because of the situation she was in. I have worked with many, many women from abusive relationships over the years and it’s a lot more complex than many people think. Why doesn’t she just leave him? is a common question asked in the community about women who remain in these situations. I wanted Kate’s experience to touch Olive and the reader and humanise her, so people can relate to her, rather than outcast her.
I don’t know how many novels I’ve read in the fantasy and romance genre that remain with characters at a superficial level and it leads to disappointing reading. I wanted Intuition to look at some of the broader issues, but also to remain an enjoyable and not too heavy read. Because surely we shouldn’t stray away from stories about real-life issues just because they are too hard to hear about?
What issues would you like to see more prevalent in fiction, whether it be internal or external conflicts faced by characters in the story?
About the Author
Jayne Fordham resides in Sydney where she works as a psychologist and freelance writer while working on another novel. Jayne has also authored the YA fantasy novel, A Season Of Transformation.
Author blog http://jaynefordham.com
Book blog http://
Goodreads http://www.
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The Memory of Roses by Blair McDowell
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspens
Length: 77,500 words
Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / All Romance / Ebookstrand
Summary:
When renowned archaeologist Ian McQuaid dies, he leaves his daughter, Brit, a villa on the Greek island of Corfu. The only thing Ian asks is that Brit deliver a package to a woman he once loved there. The problem is Brit knew nothing about either the villa or the love affair. She thought her parents had been happily married all these years.
After a disastrous love affair of her own, Brit finally admits to herself that she’s desperately unhappy. At thirty two and left with more questions about her life than answers, Brit has a dawning sense that to live her own life free of shadows, she must trace the path of her father’s past.
Brit’s journey takes her from San Francisco to Athens, to the villa on Corfu, and finally to Venice, where she discovers a truth long hidden that holds the power to destroy lives. During the course of her odyssey Brit meets Andreas Leandros, a young Greek archaeologist, and while uncovering the secrets of her father’s past, she discovers her own future.
The Greek island of Corfu unearths the enduring love stories of two generations of the McQuaid family. First, renowned archaeologist Ian McQuaid meets the love of his life while recuperating from an illness contracted during a dig in Crete. Even though he is married, his wife had not been a passionate partner for many years, and the appearance of the stunning Maria Calbrese was a miracle sent to him at the lowest point in his life.
Then a generation later, Ian’s daughter Brit travels to Corfu after his death. He left Brit a note disclosing that he owned a villa on Corfu, and that when he was there he had fallen in love with a woman named Maria while still married to Brit’s mother. He asked Brit to deliver a package to Maria, who he thought lived somewhere in Venice. Determined to fulfill her father’s requests and return quickly to the US, Brit’s plan is soon derailed. She meets archaeologist Dr. Andreas Leandros who looks like the Greek gods of ancient times, and her own damaged heart begins to come alive.
What does the mysterious package contain, and how will Brit find Maria as requested by her
father? Will finding her change Brit’s life? Will she manage to preserve her bond with Andreas, or will she return to the US to live out her life without him?
Excerpt:
It was on June eleventh that he met her. He had gone to Adriatika for his evening meal. It was a week night and he had lingered over his late afternoon swim. By the time he arrived, the few other diners were well into their meals.
“What have you for me tonight, my friend?” he asked.
“Ah! You are in luck. We have Rabbit Steffado and I’ve kept a portion back for you.”
Ian settled into his chair at his regular table and opened his book. He’d long had the habit of reading in restaurants until his food arrived. It kept him from feeling lonely.
He heard a commotion at the door and glanced up from his book to see a stunning young woman in conversation with Yiannis.
“Of course you are not too late, Signorina,” Yiannis was saying as he showed her to a table. “We always look forward to your return in June. Did you have a pleasant journey from Venice?”
“Pleasant enough, Yiannis. I hope you have some of your Rabbit Steffado for me tonight. I’ve been looking forward to it for months.”
“Alas, I am afraid the last portion was just ordered by someone else,” he said, nodding in the general direction of Ian’s table. “But I have a very nice fish if you’re interested.”
“Hmm. I’ll think about it. Meanwhile, if you could bring me a pitcher of your good house wine…”
“Of course.”
Ian went back to reading his book. Suddenly he sensed that he wasn’t alone. He looked up to see
the woman who’d just entered the restaurant standing at his table, a brimming pitcher of wine in her hand. She was tall and full breasted, her long ebony hair swung loosely to her shoulders and her eyes were dark and lively. Her face could have come from a Botticelli painting, beautifully oval, classically Italian. She wore a low necked blouse that seemed to fall off one shoulder and a full skirt that emphasized her small waist.
He realized with a shock that she was speaking to him in English and that he hadn’t heard a word she had said.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I said I assume you speak English since you’re reading a book in that language. If you’d rather, we could speak in Italian. My Greek is a bit primitive.”
Confused, Ian managed to stutter, “English will be fine.”
“Good. I have a proposition for you.” She smiled.
Ian thought whatever it is the answer is yes. He merely nodded.
“You,” she resumed accusingly, “you have ordered the last portion of Rabbit Steffado. I’ve been
looking forward to Rabbit Steffado for months. I propose that we should enjoy that rabbit together. There is always enough for two in Yiannis’ portions. Meanwhile we can order some of Catarina’s eggplant and a salad to start and,” here she held up the pitcher, “I already have the wine.” She waited expectantly.
Ian threw back his head and laughed for the first time in months. “Please,” he said, getting up quickly and pulling out a chair for her, “Be my guest. I’m Ian McQuaid.”
Over the eggplant she told him she was from Venice and that her name was Maria. “I always spend six weeks here at this time of the year. And this is my favorite restaurant on Corfu. I always came here on my first night back.”
They worked their way through the appetizers laughing and chatting about their experiences on
Corfu as if they were old friends.
The rabbit arrived at the table, steaming and aromatic in its rich sauce. Maria ladled it on to their
plates. “So what brings you to Corfu?”
Ian somehow didn’t want to admit his recent illness to this young woman who was the picture of
health and vitality. “I was working on Crete and I decided to take some time off. A friend suggested Corfu.”
“What do you do on Crete?”
“I’m an archaeologist. My special area is Bronze-Age societies, the Minoans in particular. Knossos, on Crete, is one of the best preserved Minoan sites in the world. I’ve been working there off and on for some years.”
“You’re an American aren’t you? Your accent isn’t British.”
“Yes. I’m a professor at Stanford University in California. But I spend half of every year in Greece.”
They continued to chat and laugh their way through the rest of meal.
Ian could hardly take his eyes off of her. She was so utterly alive. Her mobile face telegraphed her every thought and mood. When she laughed at his stories her whole face lit up. When she was serious,her eyes held the reflective calm of a mountain lake. He found her utterly entrancing. By the time they’d finished dessert he was wondering how he could prolong the evening, how he could arrange to see her again.
Then he reminded himself that he was still married, that he’d no right to become involved with
this young vibrant creature sitting at his table. And that surely she would have no interest in him, a middle-aged man graying at the temples and many years her senior. Regretfully, when Catarina began closing the shutters, he moved to pay the bill. “Please allow me,” he said. “You’ve given me so much pleasure tonight.”
She nodded and rose to leave.
Outside the restaurant, she paused confused, and looked around. “Where’s your car?”
“Actually, I don’t have one. I haven’t found much need for one here. I walk everyplace. The house I’m renting is just up the hill a mile or so.”
“Please let me drive you home,” she said. “I insist. It is small payment for that lovely dinner.”
Ten minutes longer with her, Ian thought. Ten minutes more of her lovely voice and beautiful face. “Of course,” he responded.
She drove efficiently and competently. He watched the shadows and light fall on her face as she navigated the curves of the narrow, winding country road.
“Turn here,” he instructed as they reached the open gates to the property. She came to a stop at the circle in front of the villa. The fountain was splashing, its dolphins alive in the moonlight.
“What a beautiful spot.” She said. They sat in silence for a moment, neither quite willing to end the evening.
“You could come in for a brandy,” he suggested.
They got as far as the front door. Later they could neither of them remember who moved first.
They were in each other’s arms, tearing at their clothing, stumbling up the steps toward the bedroom. Frustrated with their slow progress Ian swept her up into his arms and carried her to his bed, covering her with his body. They made love wordlessly, frantically, as if their very lives depended on their being together in this way at this moment.
When the storm had passed, Ian tried to speak. “I had no right to do this,” he said. “I’m married.”
“Of course you are,” she replied. “No man as attractive as you could be single. Not at your age. I came to you willingly, I asked for no commitment. We have here and now. We have tonight. Let’s not ask for more.”
He buried his face in her fragrant hair.
Bones by K.J. Dahlen
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Length: 130 pages
Summary:
When human bones are discovered in a cave just outside of town, it’s up to Sheriff Max Reardon to find out who the bones belonged to. But someone in town doesn’t want the bones identified and they go to great lengths to try and stop Max’s investigation.
They break into Max’s house and try to destroy the evidence and when that doesn’t work, they frame Max for murder. Can Max clear his name and bring the murderer or murderers to justice?
AJ’s Review:
Ms. Dahlen quickly draws the reader into the suspense of Bones as Sheriff Max Reardon searches for skeletal bones and possibly the human remains of someone who was murdered in a cave just outside of town that’s full of his arch nemesis, rats. I must admit that it was humorous at times listening to Max’s thoughts as he made his way through the small cave and provided the reader with more insight into his character.
Ms. Dahlen has penned a suspenseful thriller with enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader guessing until the very end. The plot is well-thought out and believable as Max goes in search of his murder(s). It’s obvious that Ms. Dahlen has grasped the concept of how a real murder mystery should be written and Jethro Gibbs couldn’t have done it better. 
The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional as more and more is revealed about Max, the murderer(s) and the town as the mystery unfolds. Max’s personality and quest for the truth will make you root for him in his plight to arrest a murderer and clear his good name. The secondary characters only adds to the suspenseful story as the mystery unravels and the plot thickens.
Bones by K.J. Dahlen is a well-written story with intriguing dialogue, fascinating characters, a plot that has so many twists and turns that it will keep the reader guessing in regards to the murder until the very end. If you like a bite your fingernails, intense, heart pounding mystery where nothing is as it seems and the hero is fighting to discover the truth and clear is name all in one adventurous story of lies, murder and mayhem, then Bones is definitely the book to read. Be sure to check it out!
Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!
Posted in 5 Seashells, AJ, K.J. Dahlen, Mystery/Suspense, Recommended Read, Rogue Phoenix Press | 
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Bones by K.J. Dahlen
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Summary:
When human bones are discovered in a cave just outside of town, it’s up to Sheriff Max Reardon to find out who the bones belonged to. But someone in town doesn’t want the bones identified and they go to great lengths to try and stop Max’s investigation.
They break into Max’s house and try to destroy the evidence and when that doesn’t work, they frame Max for murder. Can Max clear his name and bring the murderer or murderers to justice?
Excerpt
Max squatted near the opening in the rocky outcrop and took off his sunglasses. He was hot and tired and had just about given up finding this place. He wasn’t eager to go inside since the inside of the opening was dark and uninviting. But Max knew he had to go in there. The small hole in the side of the cliff was barely big enough for a child to scramble into let alone a full size man, but he knew he didn’t have a choice. God, I hate small places, he thought as he crawled inside. The hole was small and cramped and Max had to bend over to get through. I really hate small places, he emphasized as he struggled to get through the cramped opening. The hole in the cliff had been harder to find than he expected. The directions given to him by two young boys hadn’t been all that clear.
The boys said the opening was straight up from the dam below and a little left of the big oak tree. What they failed to tell him was which big oak tree. The whole hill was littered with oak trees right up to the base of the cliff.
It had taken him the better part of an hour to find the opening. There had been a lot of hillside to search. The boys had told him they left an old t-shirt to mark the opening, but Max hadn’t found the t-shirt. Some small animal or the wind must have carried it away. He hoped he had the right entrance this time.
He’d found a couple of other openings in the rock face that had led him nowhere. This opening appeared to be the one the boys had described. According to the boys, this small cave led to a cavern with the treasure. Max hoped it led somewhere.
His hands and face were scratched up from pushing brambles and brush out of his way. The thought had also occurred to him that the seldom visited, rocky part of the side of a cliff just a little ways north of the town Max was sheriff of, might be just the spot to run into a snoozing wolf or worse yet a rattlesnake. He heard something scramble out of his way a couple of times, but he hadn’t heard the symbolic rattle of the snake so whatever remained hidden from his sight wasn’t a snake. He’d tried to make enough noise to ward off unexpected company and hoped he hadn’t sounded like a complete idiot in the process. If anyone had spotted him, they would have thought he was drunk in the middle of the morning and that would never do for a sheriff.
The flashlight he held in his hand did little to penetrate the utter darkness that surrounded him. The cave walls and floor were slimy with what Max didn’t even want to hazard a guess and it smelled even worse. It smelled like something crawled in this narrow opening and died. The boys who found the cave might think this little venture was “neat”, but Max didn’t. He’d lost his sense of adventure for little games like this a long time ago. He couldn’t believe he was here now.
The boys had been in this cave a couple of days before and had found what they thought was an Indian burial place. They had been reluctant at first to tell anyone of their find but eventually told their dads. As a result, Richard Crabtree had brought his son, Timmy, to see him. Max could tell that Timmy hadn’t wanted to tell anyone about his secret place and Max hadn’t been all that interested in the boy’s tale. Most of it was just the imagination of a ten year old. It wasn’t until Timmy mentioned the skeletons that Max became interested.
Max knew enough about the local tribes in Wisconsin to know they didn’t bury their dead above ground in forgotten caves. The boys told him that they hadn’t seen or found any other Indian artifacts and Timmy was positive someone else had robbed the cave of all its treasure. As sheriff, Max felt bound to check out their story. If there were skeletons in there, he had to find out why.
About the Author
Kim lives in a small town (population495) in Wisconsin. From her deck she can see the Mississippi River on one side and the bluffs, where eagles live and nest on the other side. She lives with her husband Dave and dog Sammy. Her two children are grown and two grandchildren and for that fact she feels blessed. She loves to watch people and that has helped her with her writing. She loves to create characters and put them in a troubling situation and just sit back and let them do all the work. They surprise even her at times. They take on a life of their own and the twists and turns become a story. She found she liked mystery/thrillers the best. She likes to keep her readers guessing until the very end of the book.
Her next book coming out is in March 2012, titled Fall from Grace.
BLURB :When a threat against America comes to the surface, retired Homeland Security agent Lincoln Hawks is brought back to help put down the threat. He finds the group he’s after is the same group that murdered his wife and daughter five years ago. Can Lincoln stop The Ghost Crew before they destroy America?
This book is being published by Bucks County Publishing. She is also published by Rogue Phoeniz Press, Solstice, and Avalon.
Email: kjdahlen1@yahoo.com
Web site: www.kjdahlen.com
She’s on facebook and twitter as kjdahlen
Greetings everyone,
Today we have K.J. Dahlen with us at The Readers Roundtable Smokin’ Gun. This is a real treat because I love anything that has to do with mystery, mayhem, and serial killers. I’m fascinated by the entire subject and intrigued by one’s ability to profile.
So, if you haven’t done so already, grab cup of coffee and a sweet roll, sit down in your comfy chair and relax as you learn a little more about K.J. Dahlen and her path to becoming an author.
Good morning K.J. and welcome! My name is AJ and I’m so glad that you could join us today. Let’s begin with you telling us a little about yourself.
I am a relatively new author. I’ve only just begun being published. I have four different publishers and 14 books out there, with at least four more coming out so far this year. My publishers are Rogue Phoenix Press, Bucks County Publishing, Solstice and Avalon.
I live in a small town in Wisconsin and I love it. I don’t think I could ever live in big city anymore. I grew up in La Crosse Wi but much prefer the small town. I have a husband whom I’ve been married to for 36 years, two kids and two grandkids and a dog named Sammy.
K.J., I have to ask…why Mystery and Crime given all of the genres that you could have chosen to write about? What piques your curiosity about this specific genre?
I love the intrigue of the who dun it books. I love to put my characters in difficult situations and see how they get themselves out of it.
I tried writing romance when I first started but couldn’t get the flow I got with mystery/suspense.
The blurb alone grabbed my attention. What inspired Bones? I love the title by the way.
Bones began as a short story but there wasn’t much there, so I began to rewrite it. As a novel it came together better, my characters became more real and I liked the twists and turns I could put in the book. I love to add surprising twists to all my books and at some point the characters take over and lead me in different directions than I would have thought but it makes the story more interesting.
Here’s a question for you, given that part of your hero’s job is to profile the serial killer, how much research did you do in order to make the story realistic?
I’ve read books on criminal psychology and I love watching the different TV shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI. Whatever I need I can look up on the internet.
K.J., tell us a little more about Bones and please tell me that you brought us an excerpt.
Two young boys bring Max a tail about Bones in a cave. Max has to check out their story and what he finds is a serial killer’s dumping grounds. Now he has to identify the bodies and figure out who murdered these women. He also has to deal with small town politics which add to the stress. When someone breaks into his house and destroys the evidence then set him up for murder, Max is fighting not only for his freedom but for justice too.
And of course I have excerpts- You can choose which one you like the best and go with that one.
BTW- Bones is the first book I ever got published. It first came out with Cacoethes but when Cacoethes went under I sent it to Rogue and they picked it up and reprinted it. Bones is book 1 and book 13.
Excerpt
A few hours later, while the rest of the town slept, a shadow moved from its hiding place. It is time, the man behind the shadow decided. As he walked toward the phone booth, he felt the unfamiliar weight of the Colt 45 in his pocket. The light from the phone booth came on and for a brief moment you could see the face of the man making the call. Jared Nelson raised his fist and smashed the light bulb and the phone booth went dark. He didn’t want anyone to witness this call. He dialed the number and changing his voice a little, placed his message. When he was finished, he went back into the shadows to wait for his victim.
He didn’t have to wait long. A few minutes later a police car pulled into the service road by the lake. The lone officer, Hunter James stepped out of the vehicle and began searching the immediate area. Hunter appeared confused. The report had stated that there was a bunch of kids out here drinking and carrying on. Hunter didn’t see any sign of anyone by the lake. He was about to get back in his car when he heard the distinct click of a revolver being cocked.
He glanced over at where the sound had come from and his eyes widened in panic. He found himself staring at a hooded figure holding a gun pointed right at him. Hunter instinctively held out his hand and just before the sound of the shot echoed in the stillness of the night, he saw his assailant’s face. Jared had pulled off the hood of his sweatshirt at the last minute to show Hunter just who it was who shot him. He didn’t figure Hunter would live anyway and he wanted him to know who took his life.
As the bullet pierced his chest, Hunter surprisingly didn’t feel any pain. Maybe it was the shock he felt or maybe it was the sheer surprise that dumbfounded him. As he crumbled to the ground, he heard footsteps coming toward where his body lay. When they were close enough to see the shoes, Hunter heard a thud and something heavy hit the ground beside him. It was the Colt 45 that Jared had used to shoot him. Hunter recognized the weapon. It was Amos Tillman’s gun. He turned his eyes to the man holding the gun and found Jared, and as their eyes met, Hunter could see an unholy gleam in Jared’s eyes. It was almost the same glaze as a successful sexual encounter. Hunter could feel the blood pooling beneath him and knew he would die tonight and that his murderer would go free. Another man would be framed for something he didn’t do and Hunter couldn’t stop it from happening.
Jared finally walked away from Hunter’s body. He was satisfied the deed was done. Hunter wouldn’t live very long and he had other things to do tonight.
I’m not going to lie, I just love it. I guess that’s why Criminal Minds is one of my favorite shows. well, that and Shemar Moore. That man is fine. Sorry, I didn’t mean to digress. Okay, here goes…what’s your favorite crime show or book?
As much as I like how they solve the crimes on Criminal Minds and oh by the way I think Shemar is fine, I would have to say I love Mark Harmon on NCIS a little better, sorry.
Mark’s character Jethro Gibbs is sort of my role model for all my main male characters.
I try to add a little of myself to all my books. My readers may not know it but there is a little piece of me in all my books. They just have to figure out which part of me are me!
I do love me some Jethro. Actually, I’ve always loved Mark Harmon. He has this aura about him that makes him perfect for NCIS and I watch it every week.
Since you’re such a lover of mystery, think back to all of the books that you’ve read and tell us which heroine you would switch places with in a heartbeat and why?
That’s a hard one…let me think for a moment… there really isn’t just one the best heroine I can think of right off the top of my head is the one I wrote about in The Prophet, I know I probably shouldn’t take one of my own but I like my character Rheta best. She’s tough yet she has a very good reason for what she’s doing. Her sister died at the hands of a serial killer and she won’t stop until she gets the killer brought to justice. I like that kind of attitude.
Authors are always telling us about the heroines they love, but what about the ones you didn’t like. Have you ever encountered a heroine in a book that you didn’t like to the point that you wanted to kill her off immediately and why?
I haven’t come across any main characters that I didn’t like. Usually the ones I didn’t like are the victims and they very much deserved to die and there was always a good reason they were the victim.
K.J, what’s one piece of advice that you’d give to new authors who are just starting out? Basically, what are some of your do’s and don’t's that you’ve learned?
I would have to say the one thing I’ve learned is to never give up on your dreams to be a writer. Writing is hard and when you first start out it seems like you try and try without getting anywhere, but there is a silver lining, If you keep plugging away you can do it.
The only do’s and don’t’ s I have to pass along is this one… Never take a critique badly. Use what the person is saying about your book with consideration. If it works it can make your story better. If it doesn’t work for you, have someone else look at it. This is your baby, you want it the best it can be. Some people aren’t going to like it and some people will. You aren’t going to please everyone, no matter how hard you try. As long as you are happy then you’re ok. But you have to at least think about what was said. Critiques are meant to point out what others think is wrong with your books, maybe its something small, but at least think about what was said.
Here’s a question that I’m curious about. When you’re writing a mystery-crime book, how to you maintain the level of suspense throughout the book? Is there a process that you go through to maintain that intensity?
That’s where all the twists and turns come in. They add the little zings in the story. When I write a book I have the beginning and I know the ending but it’s the middle part that makes the story. That’s the part of the book where I can have the most fun.
K.J, if you could choose any genre with the exception of mystery-crime fiction, what genre would it be and why?
I think it would have to be sci fi. I don’t like all the blood and gore of horror; and there is a fine line in romance that if you cross you get into erotica. I appreciate erotica but I can’t write it.
With Sci fi you can make up a whole other world and it’s your world so you can put in anything you want into your fictional world.
Okay, I know you’re probably going to gasp, but if you were given one wish to choose a hero who would sweep you off of your feet. LOL!
That’s easy, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he’s smart, a little on the tough side and I think he could show a girl a good time. He has values that I like.
LOL! Great choice! I wouldn’t mind be swept off my feet by Jethro either. He’s sexy and the older he gets, the better looking he gets to me.
Well K.J., I’ve gotten into your business enough for one day. Thank you so much for dropping by The Readers Roundtable Smokin’ Gun. I’ve enjoyed our chat and hope that you come back to visit us soon, but before you go, tell us what we can look forward to reading from K.J. Dahlen in 2012.
So far I have four books coming out
Fall from Grace is coming out in March from Bucks County Publishing
When a threat against America comes to the surface, retired Homeland Security agent Lincoln Hawks is brought back to help put down the threat. He finds the group he’s after is the same group that murdered his wife and daughter five years ago. Can Lincoln stop The Ghost Crew before they destroy America?
The House on Berkley St. is part of Rogue Phoenix Press’s April Fool’s Day Anthology
When Jillian is asked to find the truth in a forty year old tragedy that wiped out almost her entire family, someone in the town of White Oak, Texas doesn’t want the truth told.
Can they stop her before she finds out what they have kept hidden for forty years?
Cards of Sin will be published by Solstice, no release date has been set yet
When Reporter Cheyenne Gentry gets an Instant Message she tries to ignore it, but the sender wants her to know he murdered someone tonight. Cheyenne thinks it’s a hoax but finds out it’s not. Then the killer tells her he wants her to write his story. Cheyenne wants nothing to do with the story or the killer but the killer won’t let her refuse his request. Will he let her live long enough to find him or will she become another chapter to his story?
Blood Memories This book will be published by Rogue with a tentative release date of August 2012.
When an accident turns out to be murder Savannah must solve a double murder that happened over twenty years ago to find the truth. She was the only witness to her parent’s murder and now their killer is after her. She puts her trust into a man her aunt has known and all these years but evidence soon points to him being involved with the man she thinks killed her parents. Will she prove him innocent or fall prey to his intent? Her life and over two million dollars in diamonds is at stake.
I also have another book under review at the moment titled “A Murder in her Past”
When India reads a newspaper account of a recent murder, it triggers a memory from her childhood. She and a friend TK Jonas witnessed a brutal murder fifteen years ago. India repressed the memory but now the details came flooding back to her.
She found 7 more murders with the same MO. Taking her research to a friend, Briar Rivers, Briar urges her to go to his brothers, Cade and Elliot. They run The Rivers Foundation. In league with the FBI, The Rivers Foundation track and stop serial killers.
When Cade and Elliot agree to look into the case. Cade asks her to work with them. He asks her to relive the first murder, in detail. When she tells him what she remembers he picks up on several details she overlooked. When he reads more of the details in the case Cade vows to find this monster.
Wow! You’re going to be one busy woman for the rest of 2012. I can’t wait to check out all of the books you mentioned. K.J., thanks for dropping by the Smokin’ Gun and please feel free to come back again.
Don’t go away everyone because I’m going to tell you about the giveaway. But before I do, please drop back by tomorrow for my review of Bones.
Readers, K.J. giving one lucky commentor the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift certificate plus the chance to help her with her new book–the winner will get to write a short blurb and K.J. will write the book based on it. So, leave a comment here and at other stops along K.J.’s tour. The more you comment, the better you chances of winning.
RULES
1. Must be or become a Linky Follower of the Readers Roundtable (Main Site) and the Smokin’ Gun Site
2. Must leave a comment
3. Must leave your name and email address in case you win
4. Hope you have some fun!
Good Luck Everyone!
Painted Jezebel by Jolie Pethtel
Series: A Jezebel Jinx Mystery, Book 1
Publisher: Muse It Up Publishing
Genre: Comedy, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Length: 179 pages
Summary:
Publicist Finn Mackenzie has always been lucky, until an ill-fated affair with a vindictive writer leaves him one chance for redemption: a spectacular public appearance by the elusive best-selling romance author, Jezebel Jinx.
Unfortunately, the cute but kooky writer refuses to cooperate. Jezebel believes she’s cursed with bad luck. Riddled with anxieties, she never leaves her home–until the gorgeous, albeit desperate Finn whisks her away to a writer’s conference, against her will.
After the initial shock wears off, Jezebel’s dormant hormones kick into high gear around the hunky Finn.
When his ex turns up murdered and Jezebel is the prime suspect, ill-planned sexcapades are the least of their worries.
SHADOW KOHLER
CBLS Promotions has been notified and will send you the book.
Blood Rite by Melanie Atkins
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Summary:
Women in New Orleans are dying; women New Orleans Police detective Nick Marconi has dated. To make matters worse, they have all been found with vials of his murdered sister’s blood in their throats. Nick is walking a tightrope between depression and rage. His superiors are worried about his mental health, so they send him to see psychiatrist Gracie Simmons.
Gracie is walking a tightrope of her own. She became a psychiatrist because she wants to help people, and in addition to private practice, she also treats police and parolees. The extra work gives her flashbacks about her father, however, a bad cop arrested when she was fifteen. Then a former flame harasses her, and her best friend turns up dead. Desperate for a distraction, she makes Nick her special project. Only… he doesn’t want to be saved.
Excerpt One:
The crime scene was awash in blood, its warm, coppery scent mixing with the fresh odor of rain that had fallen during the night.
New Orleans Police Department Detective Nick Marconi pulled on a pair of latex gloves and popped a square of mint gum into his mouth. Weary resignation set in as he sidestepped the overturned trash receptacle serving the far corner of the tiny park. Crime scene techs swarmed the scene, taking pictures and eyeing the rain-dimpled sand for any evidence, no matter how small, the murderer may have left behind.
Even with the icy tang of gum cleansing his palate, the stench of death made Nick’s stomach buck. He cursed himself for not getting the jar of menthol salve out of the sedan.
“Mornin’, Marconi. Got a grisly one for you.” Orleans Parish Medical Examiner, Pal Stewart, bobbed his thick gray head in greeting. “She’s cut from ear to ear and exsanguinated.”
“Well, hell. That explains all the blood.” Nick looked at Pal, who raised his eyebrows.
Then he steeled himself and looked down at the nude corpse. The woman lay on her side facing away from him, her pale hips cocked at an odd angle. Blood had crusted in her spiky blond hair, and a bright silver hoop earring stood out in stark contrast to her purplish right earlobe. The sand beneath her was stained a dull red, made pale by the rain.
“It’s a lot, but not enough.”
“What do you mean?” Nick frowned. “The ground’s saturated with it.”
Pal walked around the body. “He drained her blood here—” He turned and acknowledged a row of metal swing sets behind them. “And took it with him.”
Excerpt Two:
Gracie Simmons stepped around her desk and rechecked her appointment book for the fifth time that day. Since lunch, she’d dealt with a woman with bi-polar disorder, an obsessive-compulsive fireman, and a shy teenager trying to find herself. Next up was a burned out cop.
Not the best way to wind up the day. She rubbed her tense neck. Her nerves had been on edge ever since this morning, when she’d met with him. She closed her eyes and pictured her nurse’s neat handwriting on the crisp new folder. Thirty-nine year old white male. Presenting with non-specific complaints of depression and anxiety. The description didn’t even come close.
She was afraid he was deeply disturbed. His cool, calculated answers to her questions had scared the hell out of her.
“Dr. Simmons?” Ashley, her part-time twenty-something receptionist, stuck her head in the door. Her long brown hair gleamed in the muted light. “Would you like some coffee before your four o’clock arrives?”
“Yes, thank you.” Although it would take a hell of a lot more than a brimming mug of high-octane java to get her through her next appointment. She never should have volunteered to handle cases for the police department while their regular psychiatrist was on military leave. Her dad had been a cop. A bad cop. And her childhood had been hell because of it. She certainly had no love for law enforcement professionals, especially those with problems on the job. If Dr. Myers wasn’t a good friend, she’d call him back and tell him she’d changed her mind.
Her head pounded. She reached into her drawer for an oversized bottle of ibuprofen.
Ashley came in and set a brimming cup of cream and sugar laced coffee on her desk. “Your patient’s in the waiting room.”
“Already?” Gracie eyed the sunburst clock on the wall in surprise. She’d expected this guy to balk. “He’s ten minutes early.”
Ashley shrugged. “At least you’ll get out of here on time today.”
“True.”
“Shall I send him in?”
“Give me five minutes, okay?” Gracie picked up her coffee cup and took a small sip. “I need to do some deep breathing exercises.”
“Sure.” Ashley smiled. “Yoga’s great when you’re feeling tense.”
Gracie had to agree. She downed another mouthful of steaming coffee, set down her cup, and leaned back in her chair. If only she had time to get out her mat and do some simple stretches. Her body was as tight as a bow string.
She rested her hands in her lap, palms up, and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she drew in a long breath, careful to fill her lungs and expand her ribcage. The stretch relaxed her. She held the breath for another long moment, and then slowly released a slow, steady breath.
A sense of calm enveloped her.
She repeated the action three more times, growing more relaxed with each extended breath. Her neck grew less taut. Breath in, she told herself. Breathe out.
Her cell phone rang. She muttered an ugly word.
After two more rings, she yanked it from her purse and stared down at the display. Jerry Howard. The annoying guy she had dated for a while, and was now trying to blow off. There was no chemistry between them. No attachment, at least on her part. Why wouldn’t he take no for an answer?
A brisk knock rattled the door. Gracie blinked, and struggled to orient herself.
The knock rang out again.
“Come in,” she said, quickly putting the phone on silent and dumping it back into her purse. She sat up straight in her chair.
The door opened and Ashley appeared, followed by the most handsome man Gracie had ever seen. At least, he would be handsome if he got some sleep and maybe shaved once in a while. He was tall and rugged, with short jet-black hair and glacial blue eyes. Inky stubble rimmed his taut jaw. His gray suit fit him, but his coat looked like it had been worn for a week.
“This is your four o’clock,” Ashley said, her eyes glued to the strapping man beside her despite his dishevelment. “Detective Nick Marconi.”
She stood there as if rooted to the floor.
“Thank you, Ashley.” Gracie said, rising. Her mouth was as dry as river sand.
Ashley didn’t move.
Nick’s full lips curved in a weary, knowing smile that conveyed a world of information to Gracie. Namely, that he was arrogant, smug, and didn’t want to be in her office.
About the Author
Melanie Atkins is a multi-published author of romantic suspense. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.
She is an active member of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW), the Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC), Sisters in Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, The Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA), Southern Writers, the Mississippi Writers Guild and the Byram Writers’ Group. She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.
Website/blog/social networking links:
Website: http://www.melanieatkins.com
Blog: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins
Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins
$25 Gift Card to one (1) randomly drawn commenter during the tour
RULES
1. Must be or become a Linky Follower of The Readers Roundtable (Main Site) and the Smokin’ Gun Site
2. Must leave your name and email address in case you win
3. Must leave a comment to be entered
4. Hope you have some fun!
Good Luck Everyone and be sure to leave a comment!