Tag Archives: romantic-suspense

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**REVIEW** ~ Silence of A Stranger, by Elizabeth Bailey

A Romantic Suspense Novella

Blurb

silence of a stranger

Secrets, danger and an enigmatic stranger, a twentieth century mystery romance.
Is Bea’s life more at risk than her disobedient heart?
SILENCE OF A STRANGER
Her car broken down, Bea Russell goes for help and walks straight into hell. Three armed men and no answers. Held captive, strip searched, her dignity in shreds, Bea is horrified when she responds to the attraction of the man who grabbed her out of the dark.
Who is the fugitive Rad? Escaped rapist or spy? No one will talk. Yet Bea is forced to share the danger, fleeing across rough fields in the deep night hours. At a deserted house by the sea, she looks fate in the eye. One wrong move could change her life forever.

My Review

Captivating Romantic Suspense! ***** 

I loved this read, which hooked from the very start! The heroine Bea, fleeing her cheating ex, inadvertently seeks help from three armed and apparently dangerous men doing their utmost to avoid all contact with others. At first she is treated with violence and suspicion and strip searched. Even when deemed no immediate threat, she becomes their captive, as the men fear that to release her will compromise their location. The narrative is gripping and full of danger, mystery and suspense and I loved the romantic element.

As the novella progressed and the tension between Bea and her captors developed, my mind like that if the heroine was full of questions: Who are these men? Who is the dark, attractive and brooding Rad with whom she develops a mutual attraction? Are they escaped criminals? Is the truth something even more complex?

The key elements of both the suspense and romance are excellent and the plot had me guessing throughout. Bea is told nothing by her captors, a terrifying situation. I really admired her spunk as she stands up to them and when it is clear that she cannot easily escape she tries to make the best of a situation which becomes more and more dangerous. She nevertheless goes through the whole gamut of emotions: fear, apprehension, anger, frustration and resignation and most unexpected and disconcerting of all, growing desire for Rad, one of her captors.

Bea desperately tries to come to terms with her feelings for Rad, a character who becomes more mysterious and complex the more she gets to know him. I particularly liked how the author showed the growing sexual tension between the couple. Is Rad the criminal she fears and what if any future could she have with a man who harbours so many secrets and who blows hot and cold?

This read contains some violence and sexual situations, but overall the romantic elements are sweet. I recommend it to readers of romance and romantic suspense who are after a captivating read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK   Amazon US

Author Links

http://www.elizabethbailey.co.uk/

http://www.elizabethbailey.co.uk/#!blog/c112v

https://www.facebook.com/authorelizabethbailey

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**REVIEW** Soul Solution (Beyond Fairytales #1) by Katherine McIntyre

You may have noticed our recent promo post (with an excerpt) of Katherine McIntyre‘s Soul Solution (Beyond Fairytales #1). An adaptation of String of Pearls by Hans Christian Andersen, it was everything I expected and more.

soul solutions

Blurb:

For Erik Anderson, the Copenhagen line is his curse. He takes the train every night en route to collect souls. Like any lovelorn fool, he bargained his own long ago, and now pays the price—a lifetime of loneliness as a grim reaper. Stay distant—that’s been his mantra and what keeps him sane.

Until Mina Castner drops into his life like a whirlwind, one spilled drink leading to staying up until dawn with the woman. He believed one night couldn’t hurt, but he sorely underestimated her determination. Every encounter between them is reprieve from the guilt of reaping souls every night, but it can’t last. Even if she sparks long buried feelings, and even if her sheer presence intoxicates him, he can’t let this continue. For humans, his touch is poison, and if he slips up, it could cost her life.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

Soul Solution is a dark paranormal romance which provides suspense as the reader longs to find out what will become of Erik and Mina. Will Erik be taken in by her so much that he just can’t help himself? Will he touch her and lose her forever? Or, will he manage to keep his distance in order to keep her safe?

After bargaining his soul long ago, Erik is now a soul collector himself. Riding the train on the Copenhagen line each night, taking souls, and living a life of loneliness is all he knows. He doesn’t enjoy it. It hurts. But, it’s his curse. All he can do is target the people whose whole body glows to him, indicating that their time will soon be up anyway. He can’t get emotionally close to people for fear of touching them and taking their soul too. However, he becomes unstuck when Mina walks into his life.

Mina is desperate to escape a blind date that she really didn’t want to go on. After spilling her drink on Erik, she quickly decides he can help her without realising it. Checking that he is okay, Mina leaves the club with Erik. Taken aback by her beauty and attention, Mina has brought him into a situation he is not comfortable with.

He is ice cold to everyone, keeping his head down most of the time and trying to disguise his beauty, keeping attention away from him.

“Reapers weren’t supposed to attract attention. They were supposed to be forgettable shadows in the night…

… If he was ice, they wouldn’t bother him. And if he was ice, maybe it would hurt a fraction less when he had to take their lives.”

But, after spending time with him, Mina sees much further than anyone has before. She senses that he is a troubled soul, she sees his beauty and his kindness. Mina’s ability to get through to him mentally and emotionally, as well as her beauty, leave him tempted for more. Yet, one touch could take years off her life. It’s an impossible situation; he can’t be with her, yet he finds it difficult to move away.

“After meeting a veritable army’s worth of women, he’d thought he’d encountered every last one. Yet she’d been hiding all along, this odd woman who made him forget his guilt, if just for a moment.”

There is a beautiful atmosphere created by the author, albeit dark. Erik certainly has many regrets and carries the guilt around with him. Mina is the only one who has had such an effect on him, helping him take his mind off collecting souls, which is all he has had to think about for so long. Will he give in to the strong temptation to kiss her, to touch her? Or, can he hold back and walk away?

“The longer he watched her smile, listened to her lilting laugh, the more he knew she was in trouble.”

If you’re looking for a dark, paranormal, suspenseful fairytale-like romance then you will certainly find it in Soul Solution. With an unpredictable, surprising ending I LOVED this novelette, and cannot wait for more from Katherine McIntyre!

An ARC copy was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Soul Solution (Beyond Fairytales #1) is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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Review Round-up July ’15

Hello readers, we hope that you are enjoying the summer holidays! We have had an amazing month, most notably our attendance at the Second City Signing, which was our first. Here we met some amazing authors, some known to us and some new. You’ll be hearing more of them over the coming months, and if you are a fan of romance and/or erotic romance you will certainly be in for a treat! You can read our “special report” on the signing, complete with plenty of pics!

We were also preparing for Helena Fairfax‘s latest release, Palace of Deception. Not only have we reviewed her contemporary romantic suspense/mystery novella, but she has also given us a great deal of her time in helping produce a fantastic interview, whereby she speaks of her work, her blog, her awards and the membership of The Romantic Novelist Association. You can read all about her tips and suggestions to help promote your work too on her blog.

Along with our children’s end of year activities at school, and arranging plans for the holidays it has left us with a quieter month than usual – especially on my part. However, we still have nine fantastic reviews for you (two of which are double reviews – books 1 & 2 of a series) with YA futuristic/time travel in Future Girls by Catharine Bramkamp, and V.L. Brock‘s Dark Evoke, dark romantic suspense/psychological thriller series. As always, please click on the titles and authors to view our complete review post!

Happy reading! And happy holidays!

Caroline & Tina ❤

Alison MerrittHer Heart’s Surrender by Allison Merritt, historical romance, reviewed by Tina

Blurb: After sneaking out with her brother, Eoghann, one night, Ealasaid discovers Viking ships sailing up the river to sack their home in Northumbria. They attempt to warn their father, but it’s too late and the Vikings slaughter or enslave all the inhabitants of Suibhne. In attempt to save her family, Ealasaid stabs a young Viking warrior, but her father is killed, her family scattered, and she’s taken to Solstad Hall where she serves as a thrall for the Viking king. Years later, the king’s son, Hella, ventures on many raids and to trading sites across Europe, but his desire is to set up a farm in Solstad with Ealasaid as the thrall in charge of his household. He tells her of his plan and they expression their passion for one another. When Hella petitions the king for her freedom, but is turned down and order to the Frankish lands in retaliation for raids on the Viking coastal villages. Ealasaid, aware the king would never free her, tells him that he should look for a brighter future across the sea, away from his father and resigns herself to be his slave for the remainder of her life.Called home to watch his father die, Hella is stunned when his father’s final command is that Hella must marry or the throne will go to his adopted brother. Furious with his father’s orders and worried about being left without lands or money, Hella looks to the thrall who’s always captured his attention—Ealasaid. Ealasaid harbors a secret—the single afternoon she spent in Hella’s arms resulted in a son, her treasure, her reason for living.

Sandra ScwabEagle’s Honor: Banished by Sandra Schwab, erotic historical romance, reviewed by Tina

Blurb: A proud warrior.
A brave woman.
A forbidden love that is tested by the intrigues of ancient Rome and the hostilities at the northernmost edge of the empire.Centurion Marcus Florius Corvus has a splendid career in the legions ahead of him. Yet a visit to Rome and a chance encounter with an old friend change his whole life: He falls in love with one of his friend’s pleasure slaves and becomes entrapped in an evil scheme designed to destroy him. And yet—he cannot help risking everything for Lia, the woman he has given his heart to, even if it means he will be banished to one of the most dangerous places in the Roman Empire: the northern frontier of Britannia.

Seeking Nirvana & Eluding Nirvana (Dark Evoke #1 & #2) by V. L. Brock, dark romantic suspense/psychological thriller, reviewed by Tina

Seeking NirvanaSeeking Nirvana Blurb: They say that old habits die hard, and twenty-seven year old, Kady Jenson, is about to discover how true that statement actually is.

Waking up in a hospital room with a complete stranger at her bedside, should have caused panic and confusion, but for a reason unknown to her, Kady finds herself drawn, and calmed by the presence of the rugged, devastatingly handsome man with the pleasant Irish brogue. It’s when she discovers that she has just woken from a four day coma, with a three year void in her memory, which spawns confusion and panic.

Kady soon comes to realize that things change with time, and not only appearances.

Not only is the sexual chemistry she once shared with her long-term boyfriend, now a long-ago memory, but Kady also begins to unconsciously fall back into unremembered habits, and with each day, the increasing sense of foreboding, becomes increasingly harder to ignore.

Left on her own when her boyfriend goes on a business trip, Kady seeks help from the Irish stranger as they go on a quest together, in a race against time, to piece the puzzle together.

Eluding NirvanaEluding Nirvana Blurb: Three years lost; a body marred and a mission complete. Waking after a four day coma, Kady Jenson felt her life was crashing down around her. Three years of her memories were missing, and the compelling man at her side was not her years-long partner, but a stranger – a stranger who promised to help her recover what she had lost.

But how did Kady come to such a place?

What dark, mysterious events stole her past and threatened her future?

How did her lover become a stranger, and a stranger become so terribly important?

What happened to turn Kady’s orderly life into a terrifying nightmare which would leave her permanently marked, body and soul?

**AUTHORS NOTE**

Eluding Nirvana is the second instalment of The Dark Evoke Series, and is therefore not intended as a standalone novel.

Stolen petalsStolen Petals (novelette) by Katherine McIntyre, steampunk romance, reviewed by Tina

Blurb: One man has swiped bounties from Viola, the Brass Violet, for years. Longstanding rivals, they’ve only had brief encounters, and if she had a choice, she’d avoid him entirely. When he saunters into her bar with an offer to work together on a job, the proper response would be to shoot him down and send him back to Shantytown. However, curiosity’s a wicked beast, and Viola needs to know why, after so many years of stealing her marks, he’d approach her now. The man is insufferable, annoyingly cavalier, and tends to stir up memories she’d rather forget–but she needs assistance on this job and he’s offering aid and blueprints which could cut their work in half.

Given the intense way he looks at her though, working together isn’t all he has in mind. Van Clef is known for his persistence and, with his charm, he wins women over effortlessly. Viola’s not so easy though–she’s wise to his tricks. But if he wants to play the game, she will gladly rise to the challenge. By the end of this bounty, she’ll be the one leaving him in the dust.

Samantha-Holt_Knight_ConKnight’s Captive by Samantha Holt, historical romance, reviewed by Tina

Blurb: Queen Elizabeth sits on England’s throne. A once Catholic country is now ruled by a Protestant queen. In a time of fear, turmoil and bold deeds, many heroes are seldom written into history…

After aiding in the capture of the flagship Rosario and helping to defeat the Spanish Armada, Sir Henry Bainbridge is set to make his mark on the world and strengthen his position as a man of authority. Now in charge of the Spanish prisoners, Henry must negotiate their return to Spain and manage the care of his people.

However, when he comes across a woman amongst the survivors, his future plans are put on hold. The exotic beauty draws him in and his honour will not let him doing anything other than protect her. Henry takes her into his home and places her under house arrest. He can only hope his principles are enough to protect her from his desires…

In a time when small differences spark fear into the heart of many, Antonia finds herself drawn into a battle between a zealous priest, a discontented population and the most honourable man she’s ever met. Nothing can ever come of their attraction, not while he’s holding her father prisoner and not when so many differences divide them.

Or can it?

TorqueTorque (The Redline Series #2) by Skye Callahan, dark erotic romance, reviewed by Tina

Blurb: In the dark underworld of Ashville, crime, deceit, and blackmail reign supreme. Everyone wants that little piece of leverage—that one small key to getting ahead.

Aubrey would be happy—and lucky—to simply make it out alive. After falling in debt to one of the city’s most dangerous men, she found herself caught in a dispute between two brothers who will do anything to see each other suffer. Aubrey knows she’s only a pawn in their game and her only hope is to find some key of her own—a way to guarantee her own safety and the safety of her family.

Colt has a long and sordid past with the criminal element. He knows how the game is played and has found himself on all sides more times than he cares to remember. Aubrey is his newest escape route, but their tentative alliance is doomed to crumble if Colt can’t find a way to fulfill his end of the bargain with Devlin.

How will Colt and Aubrey handle Devlin’s newest threat?

Bloodlust deniedBloodlust Denied by Christina Phillips, erotic historical paranormal romance, reviewed by Tina

Blurb: Tired of the thin-blooded aristocrats in 1815 London, Alexius yearns for better sport. He is drawn to a dark-haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his commands. Entranced by such novelty, he denies his bloodlust and decides to keep her to warm his bed.

Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before, but the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms.

Neither one can deny the pull of the other, but there is something beyond the lust—a recognition neither can put a name to. The past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

palace of deceptionPalace of Deception (novella) by Helena Fairfax, contemporary romantic suspense/mystery, reviewed by Caroline

Blurb: A sinister housekeeper, a silent bodyguard, and a missing princess – mystery and intrigue in this gripping romantic suspense.

Lizzie Smith is contacted by her old drama teacher over the summer and offered the acting job of her life. Princess Charlotte of Montverrier has disappeared on the eve of her Investiture…and Lizzie must take her place.

But in the run up to the ceremony, all is not what it seems in the Palace of Montverrier. Why does the housekeeper insist Lizzie keep to her suite of rooms? What danger lies outside the palace walls? As Lizzie learns her role, her only confidant is Léon, her quiet bodyguard…but what secrets is he keeping from her?

Mystery and suspense against the backdrop of a beautiful Mediterranean city.

Future Girls & Future Gold (Future Girls #1 & #2) by Catharine Bramkamp, YA sci-fi fantasy, reviewed by Caroline

Future Girls Book One of the The Future Girls SeriesFuture Girls Blurb: On October 10, 2145, eighteen-year-old Charity Northquest’s whole future is ahead of her–and the future sucks.

On October 11, 2145, she unexpectedly has a chance to fix it. When her best friend is reported killed, but then re-appears the next day as an old woman, everything Charity has been taught is called into question. Even if she does not believe in time travel, she has little choice. So the ill-prepared Charity travels back to the mysterious and captivating 21st century where her single purpose of changing the future fades with the increasingly more urgent question of whether she can survive the past.

Future Gold (Book Two of the The Future Girls Series)Future Gold Blurb: What part of the past would you change?

Jordan didn’t want to travel back in time. She thought the members of the Time Cult were, frankly, a little whacked. But as the daughter of a daughter of a daughter, she had little choice but to prepare, take part, be knowledgeable and be ready to travel back in time. But nothing could prepare her for what happened. Or when.

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**Release day ARC REVIEW w/Author Interview** Palace of Deception by Helena Fairfax

It is an absolute pleasure to introduce you to Helena Fairfax’s latest release, Palace of Deception. It is a beautiful romantic suspense novella, with mystery. And to help celebrate it’s release, not only have we reviewed this sweet romance, but we also have a super interview with the author herself, where Helena will not only be talking about her novels, but also her blogging, social networking, her involvement with the Romantic Novelist Association, and much, much more!!

Sweet, sexy & suspenseful

palace of deception Author: Helena Fairfax

Title: Palace of Deception

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery

Release date: August 2nd, 2015

Length: 76 pages

Blurb: A sinister housekeeper, a silent bodyguard, and a missing princess – mystery and intrigue in this gripping romantic suspense.

Lizzie Smith is contacted by her old drama teacher over the summer and offered the acting job of her life. Princess Charlotte of Montverrier has disappeared on the eve of her Investiture…and Lizzie must take her place.

But in the run up to the ceremony, all is not what it seems in the Palace of Montverrier. Why does the housekeeper insist Lizzie keep to her suite of rooms? What danger lies outside the palace walls? As Lizzie learns her role, her only confidant is Léon, her quiet bodyguard…but what secrets is he keeping from her?

Mystery and suspense against the backdrop of a beautiful Mediterranean city.

REVIEW

There are many reasons to fall for this romantic novella; not only is the suspense powerful and intense, and captivating with a hot bodyguard in Léon, but the story is set in a picturesque town between mountains and the Mediterranean, which is perfect for a romance. Yes, Montverrier is described so beautifully by the author that you can actually picture yourself there.

Lizzie is instantly likeable and the reader can sense that her drama teacher thinks highly of her, especially to ask her to become involved in such a covert task in taking the place of Princess Charlotte of Montverrier after she has disappeared! One cannot deny the ease and optimism that Lizzie has when accepting the job, albeit she is not completely aware of the full situation.

But, I must admit, aside from the scenic setting, it is Léon that makes my head turn. Meeting Lizzie for the first time in his leathers and taking her back to the palace on his bike, it is hardly believable that he is a bodyguard for the Princess. And yet, his whole mannerism, politeness and care do tell a different story, making him very believable and extremely sexy.

I absolutely love the chemistry between Léon and Lizzie. It is clear before too long that Lizzie is expected to remain in her suite for the full five weeks she is to be at the Palace, and with an emotionally cold housekeeper in Daria, Léon is the only human contact with warmth that she has. I love the mild smiles he passes her, over Daria’s shoulder, and the cute winks he makes – all of which help assure Lizzie that she will be okay. Yes, I found myself smiling at some moments.

Regardless of the mystery surrounding the missing Princess, and the fact that Lizzie feels like a prisoner at times, it is the fact that Léon spends day and night with her that provides her with some comfort. Léon’s character is perfect for the suspense. A man of little words, and yet his actions and expressions speak so loud, it is impossible to not be taken in by him. I’m sure every reader will wish to be in Lizzie’s shoes! I certainly wouldn’t mind being guarded by him!

Lizzie is aware that the situation isn’t quite right at the Palace as she is made to remain in her quarters, the housekeeper is a little stern and cold to say the least towards her, and she is aware of the dislike some members of the public have on the Princess’ s Investiture. Just what danger is she in? Does Léon know? And, will he really protect her?

If you’re looking for a short, suspenseful romance, in a setting you can only dream of, then Palace of Deception is the book for you. As always, it is written in the sophisticated and classy manner that Helena Fairfax is known for, and I have no doubt that her fans and new readers alike will love this sweet, sexy and suspenseful novella.

An ARC copy of Palace of Deception was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Released today, Palace of Deception is now available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Author Interview with Helena Fairfax

 Hello, Helena, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

Hi, Caroline and Tina. Thanks so much for having me. It’s lovely to be with you again!

After having just finished reading Palace of Deception, I must say how beautiful the setting is in Montverrier for your story. How did you decide where to set the story?

One summer there were terrible floods in the UK, but I’d been lucky enough to escape on holiday. I was watching the flooding on the news in my hotel room in Nice, where outside the sun was glittering on the sea. The south coast of France is such a beautiful coastline, and the light is like nothing you would find in northern England. Everything seems bright blue and white, and such a contrast with rainy Yorkshire. The holiday stayed in my mind long after I got home and the floods went down. I based the fictional Mediterranean principality of Montverrier on Monaco, which I find a place with a fairy tale quality to it. And in summer it’s lovely and hot!

And, I am very eager to find out how you dreamed up Léon and the intensity between him and Elizabeth.

I had a clear image of Léon in my mind at the start of the story. I wanted to make him someone quiet, who at first is only protecting Lizzie because that’s his job, but then of course they are thrown together, and his desire to look after her becomes much more complicated! The background of suspense and the constant hint of danger add to the way their feelings for one another deepen and intensify. And although Léon is quiet, Lizzie begins to realise that under that silent exterior beats a passionate heart!

Did you plan to write a novella initially, or did you begin writing and waited to see how it worked length-wise?

I first wrote Palace of Deception as a short story, but I realised the characters would have much more depth if I made it longer. I much prefer it now as a novella. Léon is a far more rounded and interesting character now, and filling in the backstory of Lizzie’s life in Edinburgh makes her someone readers can sympathise with.

After writing both full length novels and now a novella, do you find you have a preference? Or is it a case of depending on how the story pans out?

That’s a great question! I really enjoyed writing this novella. It was a lot of fun to do, and I plan to write more – perhaps next time with a winter theme. But I also enjoy writing the full length books, as I can immerse myself in them far more deeply and for a longer period. I really don’t think I can choose one over the other. I like them both, for very different reasons!

I have also noticed that you now have your publishing rights back for The Silk Romance and The Antique Love. Have you any specific plans to relaunch them?

Both books were originally published a couple of years ago. I haven’t made a big deal of relaunching them, but I have put them both back up on Amazon for now, and they’ll be in other online stores from September. It’s been great having control of the books. The Antique Love was a freebie for a few days, for example, and is now selling well in the US in particular. It gained quite a few more 4 and 5 star reviews because of it, which was really nice to see! I plan to do the same with The Silk Romance once the launch of Palace of Deception is underway.

Have you thought about deviating from contemporary romances and writing historical romances, or penning different genres?

Funnily enough, that question has been on my mind a lot recently. Earlier this year I was shortlisted for the Exeter Novel Prize for a young adult novel, which I’ve written in a completely different style to my contemporary romances. I’d love to write both genres – perhaps using a different name for the YA novels – and it’s one of my aims this year to finish off this particular YA novel and to explore this genre more fully.

With the advent of social media and the internet, I imagine the life of a writer is now far less lonely than in previous generations. How useful have you found social media and the internet to you personally in your journey as a writer?

Social media and the internet have been invaluable. A whole new era of publishing has begun now, with e-publishing, and I’ve made great friends with authors all over the world. We’re able to pool resources and support each other in a way that was unheard of twenty years ago. Having my first novel published was a great experience because I was able to share the moment online. I also find it’s far easier to meet up with other lovers of romance (especially through blogs like yours) and discover new authors. Before, I didn’t really have anyone to talk to about my love of romance. Now there’s a whole brilliant tribe online!

We find your blog fascinating with all of the writing tips, author interviews and general writing experiences that you share. How do you find the time to do both your blog and writing? And, which do you prefer?

I’ve been able to reach out to other readers and writers through my blog, and I really enjoy communicating with people this way. When I first started blogging, I decided to post twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and I’ve stuck to that. It does take discipline, but writing in any form takes discipline if you want to make a success of it. If I had to choose between blogging and writing novels, then I’d definitely choose writing novels, but it’s fun to be able to do both!

I noticed on your blog recently that you have a re-worked cover on your previous release, A Way From Heart to Heart. Do you have an idea of the front covers yourself, or do you leave it in the hands of an artist/photographer to design?

My designers have always asked what I’d like to see on the cover, and I give them the germ of an idea – nothing concrete. I don’t want to be too rigid about it, because they always have such good ideas themselves. Then I leave it in their hands, and I’ve always been surprised and delighted with what they’ve come up with. I really enjoy this side of publishing. I used to work in the print industry for many years and have a lot of experience working with designers. I admire what they’re able to do, and wish I had their skill!

Would you like to tell us about your involvement with the Romantic Novelist Association and how it has helped you with your writing career?

I joined the RNA New Writers’ Scheme a few years ago, and it was through them that I wrote my first novel, The Silk Romance. The critique I received in the scheme was invaluable, and helped me on my way to publication. Since then I’ve made many friends in the RNA and met many people in the publishing industry through attending RNA events. I was given the chance to pitch my latest book to several agents at the last RNA conference, for example, which is an opportunity I wouldn’t otherwise have had. I can recommend joining for any romance writer, no matter what stage your career is at.

How helpful do you think entering writing awards are for authors? Would you like to share your experiences of them?

Entering competitions is a great discipline and a great way to get yourself noticed by agents and publishers. As I mentioned before, I entered my YA novel for the Exeter Novel Prize earlier this year. It was shortlisted by Broo Doherty of the DHH Agency. Broo is an agent I really admire, and having my work noticed by her was a real boost, and gave me the confidence to carry on and finish the novel. Bro was able to offer me advice, too, in which direction my career should take. Writing awards can be a great help to authors – and if you succeed, they are an excellent addition to your author profile.

Can you sum up your experience as an author in five words? If this is too much to ask we’d love to hear your thoughts in a paragraph or two!

Stressful, work, exciting, joyful, fulfilling

Are you currently working on a new book? If so, can you share any hints as to the storyline?

I’m currently working on two books – the YA novel I mentioned above, which is a time slip novel, featuring a fifteen-year-old heroine and a Roman soldier. I’ve also just finished a contemporary romance set in an ailing hotel in the Lake District. I’m hoping that one will be published next year. Fingers crossed!

Is there anything else which you would like to share with us and our readers?

Just to say I’ve followed your blog for a long time, and really enjoy it. I’ve found lots of new authors here, and I just love a place where people can get together to talk about their love of romance and reading. Thanks for having me!

Thank you for your time. We wish you every success with the release of Palace of Deception and any future works. – Caroline & Tina xx

You may be aware of Helena’s previous works in The Silk Romance, The Antique Love and A Way From Heart to Heart, all of which are best sellers and truly lovely reads too!

You can also check out an author post from Helena – In Praise of Romance Reviewers

And, you can follow Helena’s blog here, where you can find out all about her work, her inspiriations, author interviews with her favourite authors, reviews, writing and publishing tips, and much, much more!!

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**PROMO TOUR** ~ I Got Your Back Hailey, by June Kramin (includes excerpt and giveaway)

June Kramin

I Got Your Back, Hailey
Name of Editor – Erica Ellis
Name of cover designer – Valerie Kramin
Page # – 300
Official genre of book – Romantic suspense/thriller
Content warning – language – low heat rating
Original publication date – April 7, 2014
When Hailey stumbles upon a backpack full of money on her nightly jog, she is forced to flee the security of her secret identity. Although the sudden appearance of a man that had been flirting with her earlier seems odd, Hailey accepts Parker’s help in getting the heavy bag home. Within moments of arriving, they escape under gunfire. The men it was intended for want it back, and Hailey has now made herself a target. Safe in a motel room, the two of them discover the truth: although their meeting was an accident, Parker had been involved in the bag’s drop and she had been his assignment all along. Now, getting Hailey away safely is Parker’s new mission. Together they struggle to put together the pieces of Hailey’s past and discover that they have more in common than they thought.

“Exactly what is the plan here?” I asked after another long sip of beer.

“I’m not exactly sure now. The money is definitely not going to do what it was supposed to, and you have no business being involved in all of this.”
“Pardon me, but that’s your fault.”
“Let’s not do this again, okay? Are you forgetting I chose you over the money?”
My eyes lowered. “No. I’m really not sure of the etiquette on how many times I’m supposed to thank you for that.”
“Let’s drop it. What’s done is done. I need to figure out what to do from here. How to get back on track and get you somewhere safe.” I walked over to the small refrigerator for another beer. “Parker? Is there a chance I can make a phone call?”
“That depends. You going to try to signal for help?”
“No. I…I think I need to let my mom know I’m okay. She normally calls me on Saturdays for an update. I’m worried she’ll think something is wrong if I don’t call soon.”
“We’ll go get you your makeup or whatever you want, and I’ll get a new throwaway phone. You can call her from that. No giving away anything about our location.”
I was getting tired of all this cloak-and-dagger shit. It was wearing on my last nerve. “Who exactly is following you? What was the money for, Parker? Or Gavin. Whatever your name is! This is no longer funny! You think they’d tap my mother’s phone?” I rushed his chair and landed both hands hard on his chest. He grasped my wrists and held them tight as he stood.
“Whoa! Why would you think someone would want you back so bad as to post someone on your mother?”
I shook my arms, trying to get free. “Let me go.”
“You going to be civil?”
“Yes. Please let me go.”
Too nervous now to return to the chair, I stood and peered out of the crack in the curtain. “I need to know something and I need the truth.” I faced him, needing to look into his eyes. The eyes always give it away.
“Fire away.” He motioned that I should carry on with a wave of his hand.
“I think I tripped on this money by accident, but I need to know if I was set up.”
“You? Set up? Why do you think you were set up? How could I have possibly pulled that off?”
“Things just don’t add up. We flee under gunfire…you save me but don’t take the money…”
“Back up. What do you know that you think someone would pay a million bucks for?”
“More like kill me for it.”

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Time Travel Romance Series 
September 5, 2014
Kaitlyn thought she was happy with her life. Her veterinary practice successful, and a “boy toy” to keep her satisfied. At least until the night she turns thirty, when the inevitable biological clock starts to tick. Convincing herself that he is simply not father material, she decides to let him go. Dusty refuses to leave without a fight, and fate strongly agrees. After an unsuccessful breakup, she wakes up once again in Dusty’s arms, only he’s not the same man. He’s an older version…and their child is crying from the next room. Dusty is the constant thread, determined to win her over in every time frame, as she wakes each day in her past or an alternate future. Seeing a whole new side to him and knowing that they were truly meant to be, she allows herself to finally love him. Knowing she has to have fixed what was wrong, she expects it all to stop; only it doesn’t. Battling her frustrations daily, Kaitlyn desperately searches for the answers that will bring her time traveling to an end.
September 23, 2014
Upset over a horrible twist that fate has thrown Katie’s best friend, Dusty is determined to find a way to right this horrible wrong. After years of being afraid to even mention his name, Dusty goes in search of Frank, the one person who helped Katie through her time traveling torment. When he discovers Katie can’t go back in time again, but he can, he takes the chance to do for Courtney what Katie had done for his sister: Save her life. He quickly finds out that things are not going to be as easy as he thought. Getting Katie to fall for him all over again is a challenge he wasn’t prepared to take on. Having the knowledge of Katie’s time traveling helps somewhat, but Frank’s assistance doesn’t prove as helpful as it was for her. Being sent to altered timelines, as Katie had been, are equally frustrating for him. But finding out Frank’s identity was the most surprising “trip” of all.
Romantic Thriller/Suspense Series
February 26, 2015
Hunt is a small town Sheriff who finds himself in for more than he bargained for when he discovers Mandy beaten and unconscious. After repeated attempts of escaping him, he finds himself now her captive instead. Mandy convinces him she’s after her husband who has kidnapped their daughter and will stop at nothing to find her. Although his instincts tell him differently, Hunt becomes involved with her and agrees to help. What he doesn’t know is there is no child. Mandy is hiding her involvement with the FBI and the mob, and after revenge. Hunt is in over his head tracking her husband to the isolated cabin and the backlash it causes a year later.
March 6, 2015
After a move and name change, Amanda thought her days with dealing with the FBI and Mob were over. Her past comes back to haunt her as Eddie, the right hand man of the kingpin himself, tracks her down, claiming to need her help. Amanda’s instinct is to refuse, until she discover what it is he needs. The return of the kingpin’s son, Angelo. Vince Menusco’s men are being killed off with no explanation of who is behind it. Learning of Angelo’s disappearance is enough for Amanda to agree return to the streets of New York and help find him. Against her wishes, Hunt goes along to help. Even after getting Angelo to safety, Eddie refuses to free Amanda from their deal. Threatening her family, he insists she puts an end to the killings. Finding out who is causing them and why was more than Mandy was prepared to deal with.
Romantic Suspense 
January 16, 2015
Unable to make it home in a snowstorm, Ellie seeks shelter at an old farmhouse. When the owner’s grandson shows up and happens to be the man she had given the brush off to twice, it takes all they have not to kill each other during the snowed-in days that follow. The last thing Ellie plans on is the relationship outlasting the storm. Bix’s persistence at a relationship and attempts to help her at her job with his computer skills proves to be more than Ellie can continue to push away. She finds herself where she never wanted to be after losing her fiancé a year ago. In love again. When Ellie’s twin sister shows up and puts all their lives at risk, they must now weather a different kind of storm together.
Romance Series
April 17, 2013
Trying to get his bearings on an unfamiliar street and not paying attention, Jeremy slams his brakes to avoid hitting the most beautiful bride he has ever seen. When Danielle climbs in his truck, he assumes she’s in a hurry to get to her wedding; he didn’t realize she was escaping one. He agrees to let her return to his apartment so she can call for help, only she refuses to leave. As the days pass, Jeremy finds it harder to fight off her passes and claims of falling in love with him. Besides having almost ten years on her, Jeremy discovers the family secret she had been trying to hide. How could the daughter of a billionaire settle for a plumber living paycheck to paycheck? Despite every tactic her father throws at her and an ex-fiancé who refuses to let her go, Dani stakes her claim to the only thing she has ever truly wanted in her life and fights to make Jeremy hers.
August 28, 2014
Constant thoughts of the one night he and April shared together years ago refuse to stop haunting Devon. Knowing Wyatt is truly his son only confuses his already mixed emotions. He has no choice but to confront April, hoping to make sense of it all. In trying to sort things out, Devon’s life takes a complete about face. The lifestyle he loved no longer makes sense without the woman he used to feel was beneath his family: the woman who was also the sister of Jeremy, the man he once despised. Only months ago, he would have done anything to prevent his own sister, Dani, from marrying Jeremy. Now, the tables are turned and he desperately wants the man’s approval to date his sister. No other woman will satisfy him; no vacation spot is far enough away to forget her. His thoughts always return to April. He has to have her. And Devon is not accustomed to not getting what he wants. Determined to win her over, Devon stops at nothing to show her how much he needs her in his life. When throwing his money around doesn’t work, he severely ups the stakes. Winning over Wyatt is easy; getting Jeremy and April to see that he’s changed is a lot harder than Devon ever imagined.
Guaranteed Tear Jerker 
March 14, 2013
Regina was determined to keep the secrets from her past buried. She had her reasons for keeping her distance from men, but Donovan refused to play by her rules. Giving into her heart and marrying him, Regina finally began to feel whole again. When an injury ultimately claims his life, she moves a few states away to a small town where she couldn’t be reminded of him everywhere she turned. Trying to live her life in isolation, she wasn’t prepared for what the humble cabin next door would bring her. Reggie is not sure she will be able to overcome the horrible twist fate has thrown her way.
Inspired by True Events 
(hard to label – tragedy but a romantic element) 
January 31, 2014
While trying to rebuild her life after a horrible breakup, a troubled call from Veronica’s mother about her best friend’s disappearance brings her back home to Maui. When a body is eventually found, Veronica withdraws from everyone, including her online forum – her one solace. Over a peaceful sunset, a friend who she only knows by his avatar and user name appears. Although confused as to why he flew to be with her, she allows his interruption to her misery. Hoping that playing tour guide will be a distraction, their daily drives through the all too familiar scenery only succeeds in causing more memories to surface. Veronica thought dealing with the murder of her best friend would be the hardest thing she’d have to overcome. She was proven wrong when she discovered she had to deal with the fact that the murder would never be solved.
Romance: Stand-alone Titles 
March 14, 2013
When Char receives the news that she has been promoted to partner, she should be ecstatic. Instead, she is in Puerto Rico, having fled there after finding her husband in bed with another woman, her dreams of starting a family shattered. Andy, her boss, unaware of what has happened, tracks her down to bring her back home. Encouraged by the tropical heat, the peaceful surroundings and the unending allure of water, they are soon drawn to each other in a way they had never experienced before. Char knows that her marriage is over. She also knows that an office romance is not what she wants. Her heart and his actions, tell her otherwise. Char consistently pushes Andy away, trying to keep some semblance of order in her now-crazy life. Getting through one last major account becomes her focus; then she can concentrate on her future and her independence. Her plans are on track, until she discovers an unexpected souvenir from Puerto Rico.
April 23, 2015
After a terrible car accident, Laura’s memories of the life she and Steve shared since childhood are gone. They return to their home and routine, in hopes that her memories will come back on their own. Steve is determined to do whatever it takes to win back her love and get back on schedule with their wedding as planned—memories or not. His intentions are to keep things simple, though the days that follow are anything but routine. Although Steve is willing to try almost anything, there is a big part of their past that he keeps from her, afraid that it could do more harm than good. When a talent agent from Laura’s past show up, Steve is forced to confront the secret he’s been hiding and convince Laura to pursue a dream she claims she doesn’t want.
Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.
“There is a fine line between genius and crazy… I like to use that line as a jump rope!”
June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” in a small town in Minnesota.
Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets. Being hopelessly addicted to 80’s music is her super power.
magicofbookspromo@gmail.com
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**NEW RELEASE** ~ The Executive Decision (Boxed Set), by Grace Marshall (includes excerpt)

Out Now! The Executive Decision Box Set by K D Grace, writing as Grace Marshall (@kd_grace) #romance #boxedset #kindleunlimited #ku

Exec Box set

The entire Executive Decision Trilogy is now available in a boxed set! An Executive Decision, Identity Crisis & The Exhibition are all three now available in one intense, sizzling, yummy package from Amazon. If you liked Interviewing Wade, you’ll love The Executive Decision Boxed Set. Go ahead, indulge yourself with the rest of the story, and what a story it is! Here’s your chance to meet the rest of the Pneuma Inc inner circle and indulge in the sometimes funny, sometimes hair-raising, always steamy adventures of Dee & Ellis, Kendra & Garrett, Stacie & Harris as they battle their way to success, happiness and, of course love. The Executive Decision Boxed Set is a binge reading must for those who like an intense, fast-paced story with hot romance between characters who are more than up for the task.

Here’s what you get:

An Executive Decision – Book One in The Executive Decision Series

Overworked CEO Ellison Thorne has no time for sex, let alone romance. The only answer, at least where his retiring business partner Beverly is concerned, is a no-strings sex clause in her replacement’s contract, designed to make Ellis’ busy life easier – and hotter. But she’s joking, right?

When Dee Henning takes over Beverly’s job, sparks fly between her and Ellis, but work takes priority in driven Dee’s life too. Can one night of passion in a Paris hotel room prove Beverly’s Sex Clause is their secret to success in the boardroom and the bedroom, and what will happen if that private clause becomes public knowledge? 

Identity Crisis – Book Two in The Executive Decision Series

This romantic suspense novel is recommended to hopeless romantics who know love triumphs over all.

Tess Delaney is the hottest property in romantic fiction, but the reclusive Tess has a secret – she’s really the alter ego of Garrett Thorne, bad boy brother of business tycoon Ellison Thorne. When Tess is nominated for the Golden Kiss Award, Garrett recruits PR specialist, Kendra Davis, to keep his secret and be Tess for the awards despite their mutual animosity.

Hatred turns to scorching passion, but when Tess is stalked by a rabid fan, an identity crisis is eclipsed by a battle for survival. It seems Tess, the woman who doesn’t exist, just might understand Kendra and Garrett’s hearts better than they do.

The Exhibition – Book Three in The Executive Decision Series

Successful NYC gallery owner, Stacie Emerson, is ex-fiancée to one Thorne brother and ex-wife to the other. Though the three have made peace, Ellison Thorne’s friend, wildlife photographer, Harris Walker, still doesn’t like her. When Stacie convinces Harris to exhibit his work for the opening of her new gallery she never intended to include him in her other more hazardous plans. But when those plans draw the attention of dangerous business tycoon, Terrance Jamison, Harris comes to her aid. In the shadow of a threat only Stacie understands, can she dare let Harris into her life and make room for love?

***Grab it from Amazon now! FREE for Kindle Unlimited Members!***

http://mybook.to/execboxedset 

Excerpt from The Exhibition:

Outside someone shouted, ‘Hastings, check the crappers.’

Before Harris knew what hit him, Stacie pulled him into the cubicle at the other end of the row and locked the door behind him talking in a fast whisper. ‘Sorry about this. Not very professional, I know, but I promised to do my best to keep us out of jail, and I’m thinking groping in the ladies’ room’s not what this raid’s all about.’ The words were barely out of her mouth before she launched herself at him lips first. Damn it; he wanted to be mad at her. They were about to go to jail, for fuck sake! But instead of giving her a piece of his mind, he kissed her right back, hard, and felt her yield and open, and his tongue was in heaven sparing with hers, tasting, testing, thrusting. He found himself hoping that the inevitable arrest would wait until after he got his fill of Stacie Emerson, and that could take a while. She felt way better than she had even in his fantasies, and when his badly-behaving hands moved down to cup her magnificent bottom and pull her closer, she returned the favour and gave his ass a good grope. As though that gave him permission to explore, he slid anxious fingers inside her trousers wriggling down past a miniscule thong to cup an impossibly soft, impossibly firm buttock that gave a muscular clench in his hand, forcing her hips forward until she couldn’t possibly miss the press of his appreciative hard-on straining his jeans to get closer to her.

In the hall the noise got louder and the door burst open.

She had just managed a good firm stroke to the front of his trousers that had his full attention and then some, when a heavy-handed knock on the door caused her to yelp, and he nearly fell back onto the commode.

‘All right, you two, tuck it in, and come on out.’

‘Grace has this amazing knack of creating sexual tension not just through a few pages, but the whole damn book… ending in incredible sex.’ – Midnight Boudoir

About K D Grace/Grace Marshall 

Voted ETO Best Erotic Author of 2014, and a proud member of The Brit Babes, K D Grace believes Freud was right. In the end, it really IS all about sex, well sex and love. And nobody’s happier about that than she is, otherwise, what would she write about?

When she’s not writing, K D is veg gardening. When she’s not gardening, she’s walking. She walks her stories, and she’s serious about it. She and her husband have walked Coast to Coast across England, along with several other long-distance routes. For her, inspiration is directly proportionate to how quickly she wears out a pair of walking boots. She also enjoys martial arts, reading, watching the birds and anything that gets her outdoors.

KD has erotica published with SourceBooks, Xcite Books, Harper Collins Mischief Books, Mammoth, Cleis Press, Black Lace, Erotic Review, Ravenous Romance, Sweetmeats Press and others.

K D’s critically acclaimed erotic romance novels include, The Initiation of Ms Holly, Fulfilling the Contract, The Pet Shop. Her paranormal erotic novel, Body Temperature and Rising, the first book of her Lakeland Witches trilogy, was listed as honorable mention on Violet Blue’s Top 12 Sex Books for 2011. Books two and three, Riding the Ether, and Elemental Fire, are now also available.

K D Grace also writes hot romance as Grace Marshall. An Executive Decision, Identity Crisis, The Exhibition are all available.

Find Grace Marshall/ K D Grace Here:             

Websites: http://kdgrace.co.uk/   http://www.thebritbabes.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KDGraceAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KD_Grace

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kdgraceauthor/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hrXKI

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**DOUBLE RELEASE BLITZ** ~ Ensnared and Flawed, by Jade Kennion (includes excerpts and giveaway)

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Released March 3, 2015

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The two Falconer boys, Raphael and Michael, were named for the archangels. Lily Herald knows that they are anything but. At twenty-two, she married Raphael, the first Falconer boy. By twenty-five, she was divorced, having traded in her wedding ring for two near-fatal bullet wounds—the best damned trade of her life. No one, especially not Michael Falconer, knows why she’s returned home, to the place of so many shared and painful memories, but he’s determined to find out before she destroys what’s left of his family.
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Michael bit back a curse as he turned to leave the café, but Katie called out, “You really love her, don’t you?”
He looked over his shoulder. “Yes, I do.”
“Good.” Katie’s smile was unsteady, but it held. “Maybe I had someone like you after Raphael left me, I might have been okay too.”
“Does that mean you’ll tell me what Raphael did to Lily?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know what Raphael did to Lily. She didn’t tell me.”
“But that day, in the café—”
“When Lily and Anna fought? I told Lily what Raphael did to me. I thought she might understand. She did.” Her fingers twisted the hem of her T-shirt into a knot. “I needed someone to talk to, after all these years.”
Michael’s jaw dropped. “You haven’t told anyone? Not even your sister?” Katie shook her head. “I couldn’t.” She swallowed hard. “Raphael doesn’t hit. He doesn’t shout. What he does, it breaks you, on the inside. I couldn’t tell anyone; Raphael said no one would ever believe me, and he was right.”
“We would have believed you.”
“Would you?” Katie raised her gaze to Michael. “Didn’t you, like everyone else, once think that Lily must have done something terrible for Raphael to shoot her?”
Michael flushed.
She turned her face away. “Sit down, Michael, I’ll tell you what he did to me, and maybe it will help you reach Lily.”
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Flawed 600x900
Released May 5, 2015
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Aspiring actress Ariel Falconer is out of dreams. Disillusioned and burned-out, she heads on a lavish, all-expense-paid vacation, determined to enjoy herself one last time before facing up to the fact that life has dealt her a big flat zero.
Professional beach volleyball player Jake Hunter is full of dreams. He holds a winning hand, but only if he can find a wealthy sponsor to finance his modest lifestyle while he trains for Olympic gold.
Their mutual attraction is immediate and scorching, but neither is ready for the emotional complications of false impressions and clashing expectations. Can Ariel and Jake escape unscathed, or will their conflict shatter their dreams and the promise of love?
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“No, he’s not in a relationship of any sort.”
“Good, keep going.”
“He’s not looking for a relationship of any sort.”
“Well, neither were you, right?”
“Right,” Ariel said.
“So, no complications?”
The claw digging into her heart ripped a half-sob out of her.
Noelle’s eyes widened. “Oh my God.” She hustled Ariel into the ladies bathroom, which was mercifully empty. “What happened? What did he do to you?”
Ariel blinked back the tears that stung her eyes. “He thought I was rich.”
“So?”
“He was looking for a sugar mama.”
“So?”
Ariel said nothing.
Noelle tipped her chin up. “The Ariel I know would have thought it all hilariously funny. You’d have found a way to gently refuse him without damaging his ego— the way you turn down all those marriage proposals from men drinking their heartache away. So what’s different this time?”
“I thought he was different.” Ariel leaned against the sink. “He had big dreams, and he would never let anything get in their way, but he seemed to understand me. He helped me realize that my dreams were different from what I enjoyed doing.” She sniffled. “I wanted to be an actress, but auditions always made me panicky, which is probably why I flubbed every single one of them. I hated acting; I hated the pressure of having to say the right thing and do the right thing under the spotlight. He helped me realize how much I enjoyed the stuff I was already doing, like surprising people with mixed drinks that were just exactly what they wanted, and listening to people talk and learning about the world from them. He said I would probably enjoy bartending, and he was right. I do enjoy bartending. I always did; I just didn’t realize it until he told me.”
“And then you started falling in love with him, didn’t you?” Noelle finished quietly.
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Jade Kerrion defied (or leveraged, depending on your point of view) her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Philosophy, as well as her MBA, to launch her second (and concurrent) career as an award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance author. Her debut novel, Perfection Unleashed, won six literary awards and launched the Double Helix series, which should be read in order for maximum enjoyment. (Hang in there for the happy ending…) Life Shocks Romances features her sweet and sexy contemporary romance series. She writes at 3:00 am when her husband and three sons are asleep, and aspires to make her readers as sleep-deprived as she is. She is the Executive Vice President of the Florida Writers Association, and the Regional Director for Miami-Dade and Broward counties. McSill Literary Agency represents Portuguese rights for her Double Helix series in Brazil.
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**BLOG TOUR & REVIEW** ~ Under the Mayhaw Tree, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (includes excerpt)

 Contemporary Romantic Suspense

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Charlotte Boyett-Compo’s books are amongst my favourite reads and I jumped at he chance to take part in this blog tour and review her new release, Under the Mayhaw Tree. Although I am more familiar with  this author’s dark erotic fantasy books, I had every confidence that it would be a cracking read and I was not disappointed! Tina 🙂

 

 

Under the Mayhaw Tree by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
 
Keynote:
 
Living under a cloud of tragedy for which he’s assumed blame, Drew Dunne has known hell for the past sixteen years. Then he meets Allison Bennett. But in the small town of Colquitt, Georgia, evil lurks around every corner and capturing happiness has an incredibly high price.
Synopsis:
SWEET VICTORY
Small-town football star Drew Dunne sacrificed everything for friendship and guilt. He’s spent most of his life unloved and unwanted. A kind touch, a gentle smile, an encouraging word are all wisps of memory from before the accident. For him there is only family, duty, loyalty.
And longing. Until he meets Allison.When Allison Bennett looks in the mirror, she sees a woman whose life has gone from bad to worse. At the mercy of an abusive husband, sweet tenderness is something she can only dream about…until she finds it in the arms of Drew Dunne.Not every sacrifice is worthwhile, not every promise is worth keeping, and events in a small Georgia town will test this pair to the very depths of their souls, but at the end of the journey is the truth that—if you’re willing to pay the price—true love can conquer all. Drew Dunne will finally be with the woman he loves. Or die trying.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1DMShKz
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Under-the-Mayhaw-Tree-by-Charlotte-Boyett-Compo?keyword=Under+the+Mayhaw+Tree+by+Charlotte+Boyett-Compo&store=ebook

 

Boroughs Publishing: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/under-mayhaw-tree

 

 

 

Purchase Links:
AMAZON * B&N *  BOROUGHS PUBLISHING GROUP
 
 
 
Excerpt:
As she took off her clothes he put his hands behind his head and watched her every movement. Each one was poetry in motion to his way of thinking. To him, she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
He loved her so deeply he felt it in his soul. She was everything to him and he
wanted to be everything to her. His heart was filled with such peace, his body
with such longing, he could barely contain the feelings.
The last piece of clothing she removed was her panties and when she turned to the bed, he whistled in appreciation. As he had at the two motels they’d stayed at on the way to the cabin, he pretended not to notice the healing bruises covering her sweet body.
“Will you get under the covers?” she asked. She sat on the mattress, then stuck her legs under the sheet.
“Hey. You can leave your socks on but you took mine off?” he challenged. “You think that’s fair?”
“I have poor circulation in my feet,” she said.
“Believe me. You don’t want my cold toesies rubbing along your calf in the middle
of the night.”
“I believe you should pay a toll for being allowed to wear socks to bed when I can’t,” he told her as he joined her under the covers.
“What kind of toll?” she asked.
“The kind that is exacting,” he said. He slid down in the bed—disappearing beneath the covers—and slid on top of her. 
 
 
Author Bio:
Charlotte Boyett-Compo (her friends call her
Charlee) is a multi-published author of all sub-genres of Romance
fiction. Under the Mayhaw Tree is her 100th book. Over
the years, her novels have won many awards. When asked why she writes, she’s
said, “I write because the urge is there and it’s like an itch you can
not ignore. Sometimes, I think if I don’t get my thoughts down on paper, I’ll go
insane. It is a craving, an addiction, that unless you experience it, you can’t
quite explain to ‘normal’ people.”
Social Media:
Website – http://www.windlegends.org
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/windlegends
Twitter – https://twitter.com/windlegends
tsu – http://www.tsu.co/windlegends

 

My Review *****

Heartrending and Inspirational

Under the Mayhaw Tree, a Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Charlotte Boyett-Compo’s 100 published novel, is another tour de force by an artist who has perfected her craft over the years. I was totally and utterly gripped form start to finish, immersed in this tale containing love, passion and self-sacrifice, but also cruelty, abuse and revenge most foul.

Drew, the hero of the novel, is very much the victim of the piece. A once successful sportsman, his promising career was cut short by injury,  after which his life careered further downhill when he lost his best friend in a terrible accident. He finds himself in a loveless marriage with a woman who is little more than a she-devil, who delights in making his life a living hell with her physical and emotional abuse.

Trapped by survivor’s guilt and the power his wife and others have over him, Drew has all but given up on happiness. That is until he sets eyes on Allison, the wife of a newcomer to the town who abuses her at every turn. Both Allison and Drew recognise that they are kindred spirits and love blooms, but secrets are hard to keep in this tight knit community and the couple’s abusers, supported by town gossips and a posse of evil doers, take every opportunity to brutally destroy any chance of happiness the couple may harbour. The read has an extremely strong sense of place, the fabric and inhabitants of the small town of Colquitt in Georgia playing a key role in the unfolding drama.

What follows is a heart-rending story of how one man, ground down by years of abuse, seizes this chance of happiness and engages in a battle royal to make a future for him and his new found lady love. Just how far will he go and what sacrifices will he make to realise this dream and escape the nightmare of his past and present life? I will not reveal any more, but suffice to say that the romance between Drew and Allison transforms them both and together they must draw on inner resources they did not believe they possessed to face and overcome the demons who torment them. The journey they embark on will have repercussions for many.

The novel contains scenes of violence and brutality, including domestic and sexual abuse. I will say that it is a gripping read, with a hero and heroine you will root for. Above all though I found Drew and Allison’s journey an inspirational one, giving me belief in the saying amor vincit omnia.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of this novel was given to me as part of this blog tour for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

 

 

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**BOOK PROMO TOUR** ~ Stacy Eaton (includes excerpts and giveaway)

We are delighted to feature author Stacy Eaton on our blog today. This bestselling author has written a host of fantastic novels, encompassing women’s fiction, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. They are all showcased in this post, where you can read the blurbs and the excerpts and check out some super book trailers. We hope that you enjoy finding out about Stacy’s books as much as we did! Tina and Caroline ❤

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Stacy has been a full-time police officer since 2000. Her current assignment is as Detective of her small town department.  She enjoys crime scene investigation; taking a passion in putting the pieces together to figure out the crime. She is also a business owner where she helps people get the awareness out for the causes they care most about. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center. She is a mother of two, a son proudly serving in the United States Navy and a tween daughter who is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loves cheerleading. Her husband is also in law enforcement. She loves music and photography. Stacy has published 9 novels to date, with several more coming out in 2015.

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wilod
Women’s Fiction – Domestic Violence/Relationship
PUBLISHED: July 1, 2012

“It sounded so simple in theory; ready… aim… fire… but what actually transpired was so much more.”

Officer Nicole Nolan holds the gun steady in her hands, knowing that life will be forever altered once she pulls the trigger. Her position as a small town police officer is to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It is her job, her career and her life.
Amanda stands where protection does not exist. With several failed relationships behind her, Amanda turns a blind eye to the possessiveness Josh displays in order to sooth her desperate need to be loved. As the mental abuse turns violent, Amanda must deal with the denial and embarrassment of being a victim once again. With her emotional and physical health siting on the edge, she must fight to regain control of her life.

A gripping story with one final destination, but will it be life or death?

Excerpt 
“Steve, stop!” I managed to say. He dropped my arm and wrapped his thick arm tightly around my waist.
“Don’t tell me what to do, Amanda. You don’t tell me what to do. You got that?” The voice next to my ear sounded like it was shouting, but I knew it really wasn’t. This voice that, only a few months ago, had lulled me into feeling safe, now frightened me.
I didn’t try to fight him; the fear of being held against my will did not allow me to think straight, must less fight. His breath slid past my right ear; I needed a way to calm him down, but my mind went blank. I did not know how to deal with the anger and agitation that had been growing in him recently.
Steve released his arm from around my waist and turned me towards him, his other hand still wrapped around my thin neck. My eyes felt huge as I looked up at his face. Could he not see the fear and pain in my face? Did he not care? His brown eyes were wild.
“You will stay away from Mark. Do you hear me?” This time he did shout at me, and I tried not to flinch. Without thinking, I reached up to pry his hands from my throat.
gwttr
Paranormal Romance – Angels
PUBLISHED: February 5, 2013

“He is my destiny.”

There is a place that lies between heaven and Earth, it is called The Realm. Within this place, the Guards of Peace, known as Garda Síochána, learn to guide and protect the ones that live below until they are called home.
Officer Corey Hamilton is dedicated to being the best that she can be, in uniform and out. Her loving nature, compassionate thoughts, and warrior strength make her the perfect candidate to join the Garda Síochána and spend her eternity protecting and guiding others.
Just before Corey dies in a line-of-duty accident, she meets Officer Mitchell O’Reilly. Her feelings for him may change her destiny, but not for the better, as she falls in love with this married man. Brock, Corey’s personal Garda, will bring her home to The Realm and attempt to train her for her future, even while she still fights for her past.
Will Brock be able to direct Corey down the right path, or will she cross the line and fall from grace?

Join Corey, Mitchell, and Brock for an emotional and heart-pounding adventure that is sure to make you wonder if angels are really guiding us in our everyday lives.

Excerpt
A tremor passed down my spine as I realized what he must mean, “I’m dead.” I spun back to the younger man, his fierce sea foam gaze observing me closely.
“Yes, you are.”
I swallowed and turned away. I watched a man fall to his knees, the pain on his face so evident that I wanted to comfort him. I felt like I had to help him, and I took a step forward.
Brock materialized in front of me, blocking my path. “Not now, Coralenna. We must go.”
I jumped back into a fighting stance, my arms up, my hands lightly fisted. “How did you do that?”
A small chuckle came from behind me before Brock answered, “I just can, you will be able to soon, too. It is time to leave.”
“Where are we going?”
“Home, Coralenna, we are taking you home.”
Montgomery stepped up beside me and smiled pleasantly. Without thought, I returned his easy smile, feeling at peace until I glanced over the scene again.
“Did anyone else die?” I watched people running around. The man was now on his hands and knees, his head bowed as if he were crying. Was he crying for me? Why?
“No, you saved the child,” Montgomery answered.
lne
Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHED: November 3, 2013

Jacquelyn Liveon is a small time detective who loves her job, but hates attention. When she steps in front of heartthrob silver screen actor, Ryan Palmer, to stop a gunman, she finds herself dangling in to the public spotlight. Ryan can’t believe a woman would save him and not want more from his glamorous life. Could the words “I Fear No Evil” that are printed on her shirt be more correct than he thought?

When Jacquelyn goes undercover, she gets submerged into a world she never wanted to understand. How does she deal with the threats against Ryan? What happens with a major event flips the movie set upside down and injures people that they care about?
Join Jacquelyn and Ryan as they act out the relationship for the assignment, and try to survive the secrets, the threats and the explosive relationship that burns behind the scenes.
Excerpt
“Sorry, but I can’t. Why are you pointing a gun at me?” I asked him, purposely keeping my voice low. Rule number one for any hostage negotiator was to always remain calm and talk softly, to try to get the person to stop and listen.
He regarded me again, glanced at his gun, and then looked back up at Ryan. “I’m pointing it at him, not you. Move!” he said loudly, although not quite shouting this time.
“Wait a minute, why do you want to point a gun at this guy?” I pointed to Ryan over my shoulder. I still stood directly in front of him and his fear continued to roll over me like a stormy night on the beach. Thank God, I didn’t normally get sea sick.
The gunman directed his attention back to me, this time keeping eye contact as he spoke. “Because I’m going to kill him. Now move, or I’ll shoot you, too!” His voice rose with each word.
“Why would you want to kill this guy?” I turned to glance quickly behind me and saw Ryan staring over my head at the man with the gun.
“Because my wife is in love with him!” he shouted. I almost found this funny. Almost. Half of the world’s population of women was probably in love with the Ryan. He was smoking hot, but you wouldn’t hear me say that out loud to anyone.
ss

Romantic Suspense

PUBLISHED: November 29, 2013
Detective Sergeant Mackenzie McAllister leads a team of police investigators. When the new kid, Drew Bradley, joins the squad Mack is bound by duty to show him the ropes. The chemistry between them is immediate, but with Mack being twelve years older, she fights becoming entangled with the young sexy detective.
Drew enters the unit, not only to help with the investigation they are conducting, but to find out what is really going on inside the walls of the unit. Working with the intense and strict Sergeant Mack is invigorating, but between the need to protect her and his second shield, he is at a loss and falling hard.
Together they will uncover the evil from within, and try to deny the passions that rage between them. Who in her unit is trying to keep her from finding out the truth? Who will take a life that will draw them closer? And what are the secrets hidden behind the shield?
Excerpt
Holy hell, Greek gods really did exist. I had never believed it before, but today, I saw one in the living, breathing flesh. Even the harsh flickering yellow fluorescent lights that lit the industrial-looking hallway did nothing to distract from this masterpiece. His black dress shoes reflected the light as they rapped out a cadence on the plain white floor covering. His black dress pants held the perfect crease as they slithered up his legs. With each step forward, the muscles bunched as they pushed against the polished cotton. A simple silver buckle on his dress belt winked at me, taunting me.
I locked my jaw to contain my drool. His tan dress shirt with thin black stripes, top button undone, and sleeves rolled up set off his physique to perfection, as if tailored for him.
His chin was down as he stared at the floor. Could he feel my gaze stripping him naked? Was that why he slowly lifted his chin? Immediate recognition lit his face, and something flickered in his bright blue eyes. The grin that spread over his full lips dipped ever-so-slightly on the right. Holy hell was right! This man could make an angel fall from grace with just a smile.
“There she is,” his words bounced off the plain beige walls.
dl
Romantic Suspense

 PUBLISHED: June 4, 2014

Emergency room Doctor Rachel Wilde and Detective Grant Murphy meet by chance and it takes only one glance and a simple gentle touch to ignite their senses.

When Grant’s wife is in a tragic accident, Rachel goes above and beyond the call of duty to save her life. It is the moment she faces Grant again that their lives begin to spin out of control and they realize the lives of their loved ones were deeply intertwined.
The distorted loyalties of the ones they lost will drive a wedge between them and it will take another death, a last will and a look beyond the grave to find the path they must follow.
Excerpt
A deep masculine voice reached my ear over my right shoulder and caused a shiver to go down my spine. “I’m not sure I like the idea of your son buying my daughter a present.”
I spun around to view the man who had just spoken so intimately in my ear and had to look up. Holy cow! This guy could be the twin to the actor who played the leader of the wolf pack on that hot vampire cable series; only this guy had short hair.
For a moment, I wasn’t sure if he was being serious or joking with me, but a sexy smile slid over his lusciously-full mouth, and I realized he was very much not upset.
I cocked my head to the side, “And what makes you think it is for your daughter?”
He grinned, “Because I can see the teenaged lust in his eyes.” I laughed at his comment and glanced at Josh and Jazzy. They were standing close, and she was holding bottles up for him to smell. The pure look of pleasure he wore on his features had nothing to do with what he smelled.
“I’m Grant.” He held his hand out for me to shake and I placed my palm into his. His hands were huge and swallowed up my petite mitts.
“I’m Rachel.” His hand spread warmth all the way up my arm.

 

sdom
Romantic Suspense

PUBLISHED: June 24, 2014

Detective Natasha Foster will put her job on the line to prove her gut feeling is dead on.

When Detective Foster responds to the scene of a crash, she finds the female passenger dead, a bag full of money in the back seat and a body in the trunk. It is only when the driver, whom she nicknames Jay, wakes up with no memory that she must go with her instincts and continue the investigation in a way that was never taught.
Jay finds himself lost, but drawn to the beautiful detective who steps above and beyond the call of duty. His need to know if he was a victim or the criminal pushes him to try and recall what happened and who he is. With the pull of a trigger, Jay’s memory will suddenly return and with it, the terrible truth.
Excerpt
“Hi Tasha. I know you told me not to reach out, but I wanted to thank you one more time. I can’t imagine going through what I did, without you by my side. You know, it’s funny, I have thirty five years of memories, and yet the only ones I want to think about are the six days with you. Why is that?” Jay signs heavily into the phone.
“I should probably go, but how can I saw goodbye to the woman who holds half of my soul? Before I met you, I never believed in love at first sight, or soul mates, but with the way I feel right not, my whole theory on life has changed. I’m making a lot of changes in me too, and that’s thanks to you. You made me want to be a better man, and I’m working on it.” He paused for a long moment.
“I guess I should go. I miss you every minute of every day, Tash. I hope you are doing really good and remember if you ever need anything, call me. I know you didn’t want me to tell you how I felt, but I have too. If I don’t say these words, someday I might regret the fact that I didn’t. I love you Natasha Foster, and I will never forget you. Goodbye.”

 

mbrb
Paranormal Romance

PUBLISHED: Revised and Re-edited December 11. 2014

“I’m still a cop, and my blood runs blue.” Officer Kristin Greene has always felt that something was missing from her life. Even though her job with the Fawn Hollow Township Police Department keeps her busy, she continues to feel as if there is something else out there she is meant to be doing. Kristin finds herself investigating a homicide where a young woman has had her throat ripped brutally out. As she begins to dig for the answers, she finds herself thrown into a world she never knew existed. When Julian and Alexander crash into her life, she finds herself being pulled into a love triangle that has been going on longer than she has been alive. Kristin in determine to figure out who they are and why they keep calling her Calista. Join Kristin as she fights to learn the truth about the recent murder, the two seductive men who have entered into her life and the real truth about herself in a suspenseful tale that weaves paranormal into to the realistic world of law enforcement.

Excerpt 
For one small moment I felt her hand squeeze my arm with the last ounce of her strength, and then her fingers released my arm and fell to the ground with a soft thud. I would never have my answer. Mick and I watched as the life flowed out of her. In that brief moment, time stopped and all was silent. It was as though I had been listening to her heart beat, and then it was no more.
But suddenly, it was as if someone hit the volume button again, and the EMS and medics arrived and pushed Mick and me out of the way. We stood off to the side and watched as they tried to bring life back to this twenty-year-old woman. Damn…damn…damn! I clamped my eyes shut, took a deep breath, and yanked off my gloves as fast as I could, throwing them onto the ground in the growing pile of medical debris that was being used on her. It wouldn’t matter. No matter what they did, she was gone. I could not hear her heart beating anymore. Wait—I couldn’t hear her heartbeat even when it was beating…or could I? I shook my head to clear it. I was either more tired than I realized, or I was losing it.
bbfl
Paranormal Romance

PUBLISHED: January 15, 2015

Officer Kristin Greene is back for another suspenseful book packed with romance, mystery and intrigue. When Kristin goes back to work she’s happier then she’s been in a long time. Her new status in life has her solving crimes faster and better then she ever could before. She’s on top of the world, well for the most part. If she could just get him off the topic of finishing the transition, she’d be fine. When Alex goes missing, Kristin finds she finally has to reveal the secrets of her life to her friends. As the house fills up with people wanting to help, will Kristin be able to deal with the emotions that threaten to overwhelm her? Julian stands beside her faithfully as they try to locate Alex, but who is the strawberry blond woman who seems to appear at all the wrong times? What happens when Trent and Gabe enter the picture to help with the search? Will Trent be able to do as he’s told without falling for Kristin? Join us as we bring in a host of new characters to life in another suspenseful tale of romance and investigation.

Excerpt
“So here’s the deal…” I took a sip of my Firefly and inhaled again to gather my courage. “You guys remember three months ago when I was investigating that girl’s death, right?” Another nod around the room and they still remained silent.
“Well, you also know that is when I met Alex and Julian. They were also investigating the incident, but for a different reason. The person who killed that girl had killed a lot of other people. In fact, he had been killing people for almost forty years.”
“Wow…a serial killer and you got to work on the case?” Livy was impressed. “Why didn’t you say anything about that before?”
“Doesn’t Alex own a security company? Why would he be involved in a homicide investigation?” Izzy asked.
“Well, to answer both of your questions, it’s because of what the killer was. He wasn’t your regular run-of-the-mill guy just out on a killing spree. The guy was killing other people who were like him.”
“What, was he killing other criminals?” Kat laughed. “If that was the case, you should have let him continue.”
“No, not criminals.” I chuckled softly. “Man, I don’t even know how to say this.” I shook my head and downed the rest of my drink.

 

Romance Suspense

PUBLISHED: April 10, 2015

Barbara lives in constant fear of her husband. She finally summons the courage to leave with their young daughter, Allie, but dreads the moment her husband learns of their escape. In his desire to control them and bend them to his will, he will leave no stone unturned to punish them–especially Barbara.

Grey’s future seems bleak, especially the day he is fired, but everything begins to turn around the moment he absently sinks down on a bench occupied by wealthy Gloria Withers. Gloria sees something in him that no one else bothers to notice and, within moments, a friendship is sparked that will withstand many trials.
When Barbara makes good her escape and arrives on the doorstep of her grandmother, Gloria, whom she hasn’t seen for years, Barbara is greeted instead by Grey. It doesn’t take long for a different kind of spark to fly as Barbara takes up residence in the Withers mansion.
When Grey falls inexorably in love with not only Barbara, but also her daughter Allie, he vows to do everything he can to protect them from her husband who is out for revenge.
Excerpt

I wanted a man I could adore, and one that desired me for who I was, not how I could please him. I wanted a father for Allie, someone she could look up to so she could experience that not all men are as horrible as her father. I wanted a friend with whom I could share my life, the ups and downs and twists and turns that life threw at you. I wanted to be loved like a woman, not be a possession to be controlled.

My head told me over and over it was too soon to even consider filling that position, but my heart told me to take the vacancy sign down because the spot had already been filled. How was that possible? I stared at myself in the mirror a moment longer. I had my whole life to fall in love and have a happy family. I would take it one day at a time.
I skipped down the stairs and had just reached the bottom step when the doorbell rang. I pulled the door open wide, and my heart dropped into my stomach as I was ripped off of cloud nine.
“Well, if it isn’t my dear, sweet wife,” Todd smirked. “Don’t you look lovely—and alive.”
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**BLITZ** ~ Twisted Lies, by Sedona Venez

 Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense

DirtyTiesBlitz

Twisted Lies
by Sedona Venez
Dirty Secrets 1
Publication Date: September 20, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Women, Erotic, Fiction, Novella,Romance, Serial, Short Story, Suspense

Blitz: Twisted Lies by Sedona Venez

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It was sick and sordid, and I couldn’t tell what this really was. I only knew when I was around him, he suffocated me with his twisted lies and dirty secrets, only to cruelly resuscitate me—and shamefully, I loved it.

How far do the lies go?

After working her way up, Sinthia Michaels has finally hit it big in the glamorous fashion industry. Young and beautiful, she has it all – a celeb lifestyle, a gorgeous Manhattan townhouse, and a highly anticipated couture fashion line.

The need for revenge

Core McKay, former kingpin of New York City’s organized crime, is now a wealthy and legitimate businessman. However, when Core sets his sights on a corrupt politician, his need for revenge leads him to Sin’s up-and-coming fashion empire.

Trapped in the middle

Weaving together his twisted lies and dirty secrets, Core entangles Sin in his web of deceit. When the backstabbing fashion world, the vicious political arena, and the ruthless criminal underworld converge, Sin becomes trapped in the middle and struggles to fight her way out.

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About Sedona Venez

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This is a pseudonym for T.L. Clarke.

Acclaimed author Sedona Venez grew up in New York. She loves to travel and her dream is to one day score a backup dancer gig based on her awesome Zumba dancing skills. She is the author of the Credence Curse series (Breaking the Storm, When Lightning Strikes, Reason to Love). She is also the author of the popular Valkyries:Soaring Raven series.

Text SEDONABOOKS to 22828 OR GET MY NEWSLETTER to sign up for text alerts of new Sedona Venez books!

Come chat with her on Facebook: facebook.com/SedonaVenez or Twitter: twitter.com/TLClarke_TLC

Or you can follow her blog at sedonavenez.com to stay up to date on new releases and giveaways.

Thanks for reading!

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