Decanting a Murder (A Sommelier Mystery)
New Series
Cozy Mystery
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2016)
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738748504

Synopsis

Katie Stillwell focuses on two things in her life: work and practicing for her Sommelier Certification with her blind tasting group. The exam was supposed to be the hardest part of her week, but that was before a body was found at an exclusive Napa Valley winery party.

When all the evidence points to Katie’s best friend, the outspoken and independent Tessa, Katie drops everything to clear Tessa’s name. Using her deductive wine skills, she tries to track down the real killer. But when repeated attempts are made on her life, Katie discovers that everyone’s secrets must be uncorked―including her own.

Review

I LOVED this book…ok, maybe because it has to do with wine and the wine country in California, but it was also a very engaging book with several twists and turns that I didn’t see coming…especially when the killer is revealed.

Each chapter lists a different kind of wine and what a good pairing might be for that particular wine. I had not heard of some of these varietals so I learned something as well. I might be seeking out a different kind of wine next time I am looking for something new.

Katie does have some burdens she is carrying in regards to her friend Tessa, but she does come clean about the past which I think only strengthens her friendship with Tessa.

The conversations between various characters are engaging, and even witty at other times. There is a love interest or two for Katie to spice things up.

This was very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, but I’m going to have to wait a bit.  We give it 5 paws up

About the Author

Nadine Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, is always on the lookout for great wines and the stories behind them. She has traveled to wine regions around the world including Chile, South Africa, Spain, Germany, and every region in France. When she’s not visiting wine regions or dreaming up new mysteries, her travel articles have appeared in AAA Hawaii, New Mexico Journey, Modern Luxury Hawaii, and Inspirato. Nadine is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in California with her husband.

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HOW TO BE A TEXAN: THE MANUAL

by

Andrea Valdez

Illustrated by Abi Daniel

Genre: Texas Customs / Social Life / Humor

Publisher: University of Texas Press

Date of Publication: May 3, 2016

# of pages: 208, 58 B&W Illustrations

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There are certain things every Texan should know how to do and say, whether your Lone Star roots reach all the way back to the 1836 Republic or you were just transplanted here yesterday. Some of these may be second nature to you, but others . . . well, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have a few handy hints if, say, branding the herd or hosting a tamalada aren’t your usual pastimes. That’s where How to Be a Texan can help.

In a friendly, lighthearted style, Andrea Valdez offers illustrated, easy-to-follow steps for dozens of authentic Texas activities and sayings. In no time, you’ll be talking like a Texan and dressing the part; hunting, fishing, and ranching; cooking your favorite Texas dishes; and dancing cumbia and two-step. You’ll learn how to take a proper bluebonnet photo and build a Día de los Muertos altar, and you’ll have a bucket list of all the places Texans should visit in their lifetime. Not only will you know how to do all these things, you’ll finish the book with a whole new appreciation for what it means to be a Texan and even more pride in saying “I’m from Texas” anywhere you wander in the world.

Purchase from University of Texas Press

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Texas women may not have invented big hair, but they realized long ago the allure of the coiffed crown. Just consider Ann Richards, who made it her trademark and declared an official Big Hair Day in 1993. The style is powerful yet elegant, bold but surprisingly down-home. As Gail Huitt, the former governor’s hairdresser, who has been a stylist in Austin for forty-three years, points out, “Nothing is worse than a big-butted woman with a little head.”

Though the look never fell flat here, hair-up-to-there periodically sees style revival across the country. Jessica Simpson, the Texas-born-and-bred blonde bombshell, released a line of clip-on extensions in the 2000s; infomercials for the Bumpit, a leave-in volumizing insert, once dominated late-night airwaves; and Vera Wang has requested that her models wear modified beehives for her runway shows. Thankfully, you don’t need tons of hair to have big hair (Richards had baby-fine strands, Huitt says); all you need is a can–or three–of hairspray and a fine-toothed comb and you, too, can have the kind of ‘do that inspired this incredible Texas-ism: “the taller the hair, the closer to God.”

Wash

Some hairdressers swear by dirty hair–the scalp’s oils are like a natural hair product–but Huitt recommends starting with freshly washed locks. Wick away moisture with a towel, and then apply a volumizing product at the roots.

Dry

Flip your hair upside down and blow-dry completely with a diffuser attachment, which creates even more volume. Using the pointed end of a rattail comb, part the hair about two inches back from either your hairline or bang line.

Tease

Back-comb the sectioned hair at the roots and spray each teased piece with a(n) (un)healthy dose of Aqua Net hairspray. Continue parting, teasing, and spraying your way back toward your crown. Gently smooth out the top with your comb.

Spray

Curl and pin the ends if desired. Set the hair into an impenetrable helmet by fogging down the ‘do one last time. “After that, don’t touch it,” says Huitt. “As soon as you put your hands in your hair, you break the fragile bonds of the product–or a fingernail.”

A native Houstonian who has worked for Texas Monthly since 2006, Valdez is the editor of TexasMonthly.com. She has written on a wide range of subjects, including more than forty columns on activities every Texan should be able to do, which provided the inspiration for this book. She also helped Texas Monthly launch The Daily Post and TMBBQ.com.

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Check out these other great stops on the tour!

5/3       Country Girl Bookaholic — Promo
5/4       It’s a Jenn World — Review
5/5       Blogging for the Love of Authors and Their Books — Author Interview #1
5/6       Forgotten Winds — Review
5/7       StoreyBook Reviews — Excerpt #1
5/8       All for the Love of the Word – Page Preview #1
5/9       Book Chase — Review
5/10     Margie’s Must Reads — Guest Post
5/11     My Book Fix Blog — Author Interview #2
5/12     Books and Broomsticks — Review
5/13     The Crazy Booksellers — Page Preview #2
5/14     The Page Unbound — Promo
5/15     Hall Ways Blog — Review
5/16     Byers Editing Reviews & Blog — Promo
5/17     Missus Gonzo — Review

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Why not order mom a Kindle copy of The Strength of Love by G.L. Ross to show the strength of your love? For this week only, you can get a Kindle copy for only $0.99!

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Thankfully, some love stories are so strong they never die. “The Strength of Love” is a tale of love, loss, and second chances. This inspiring love story shares how several men influenced one woman’s life and showered her with love in different ways. Experience love, friendship, faith, suspense, tragedy, humor, and a super-natural element…always and forever.

Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Rachel Thompson is ready to give up on love, before rodeo cowboy Brooks Reynolds rides into the arena and lassos her heart. His smoldering looks and strong yet tender nature sweep her off her feet. Life is pinch-worthy and picture-book perfect, except on the eve of her wedding Rachel’s love story is ripped from the pages. After two months of grieving, she discovers her nightmare is never-ending. In order to escape her heartbreaking past, the middle-school counselor relocates to a new city for a fresh start and a second chance at happiness and perhaps even love. Through her faith and the support of her family and friends she discovers sought after answers during an unexpected journey.

*** WINNER OF THE READERS’ FAVORITE FIVE STAR AWARD!! ***

“Bring out the tissues, ladies, because you are going to need them.”

The rain slows.

Rachel presses her hands against his chest and distances herself. Her eyes devour the answered prayer standing in front of her.

In a deep, sultry voice, she explains, “I think I knew the moment I saw you sitting high in your saddle. When you tipped your hat I truly lost my breath. Then when you stared into my eyes I melted. The first time you physically touched me I lost a part of my heart and prayed you captured it.”

Tears fill Brooks’ eyes. “But when you kissed me at the Cowboys game I gave you my heart. I think I knew then I was in love with you, but mentally it seemed too soon, too fast, it had to be lust I told myself. And the more time we spent together I knew it was lust—” Brooks’ forehead wrinkles.

Rachel’s hands slip underneath the front of his shirt wrapping securely around his waist. Her eyes worship his as she continues, “But more importantly I knew I was in love with you, too. Madly, passionately, crazily in love with you, Brooks Reynolds.” Brooks’ fingers thread through the hair on each side of her head.

Tightly he holds her. She continues, “I. Love. You. Brooks.” His lips crush hers. Their tongues attack every area inside their heated mouths. His tongue flickers across her neck. Her teeth nibble his earlobe. Brooks sweeps her lithe frame into his strong arms. Carrying her into the house and to her bathroom, Rachel trembles as the chill and the excitement overwhelm her senses.

Get it on Amazon today!

G.L. Ross is a proud, sixth generation, native Texan. As a true Southern Belle, G.L. has always dreamt of the “happily ever after,” the prince riding in on the white horse sweeping her off her feet. She hasn’t found “Prince Charming” – yet (always an optimist) – but finds him every time she writes about her characters’ “happily ever after” endings.

Her motto in life is to “always find the good” in every person and situation. Whether through laughter, prayer, music, or a glass of wine or vodka, G.L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, faith, and adventure in her stories.

Experience family, faith, and love in The Strength of Love. Take a steamy flight with Lance & Lisa in Turbulent Passion, and continue their sexy journey in Burning Desire. Crosswind, book three, in the Flyboy Trilogy will release in 2016. Plus, you must meet hunky rancher, Graham Gaskin, in A Rose Has Thorns…He’s smokin’ hot!

Visit G.L. Ross’s pages:

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The One by B.A. Sherman

Book 2 of the #GregDornSeries

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Synopsis

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Synopsis

Actress Veronica Walsh receives an unwelcome present when she returns to her Adirondack hometown after her soap opera’s cancellation. Hours after arriving, Veronica’s life imitates art when she finds her neighbor’s body. She assumes the role of sleuth, fingering suspects in the powerful businesswoman’s death— the retail tenant threatened with eviction, the mall developer whose deal she thwarted, and the broken-hearted suitor.

Twists straight from a script, including two leading men vying for her attention, entangle Veronica as she gathers clues. Will Veronica solve the case, or will the killer be as elusive as an acting job? And will she play the heroine or the damsel in distress?

Review

I think this is going to be a fun cozy series. I like that the protagonist is a “retired” soap opera star, sure it was a forced retirement since her show went off the air. She is a bit older, probably in her 50’s so she has a different outlook on life.  I won’t say I grew up watching soaps, but there was a time where I watched General Hospital faithfully.

The mystery is well written because I didn’t figure it out until nearly the very end. There are several potential killers, all with good reasons to kill Anna, but only one could be the culprit.

And of course there is a love story in the making which will be nice for Veronica because while she may have been married 6 times on her soap, that doesn’t make for real life romance. We’ll see how this story line progresses in the next book.

We give the book 4 paws up!

Excerpt

I climbed Anna’s front steps at nine-thirty, convincing myself that coffee with her would not be a trial. Tim’s caution to be careful was my silent mantra.

I pressed the doorbell and waited for Anna. After a few moments, I rang again. Still no response. I rapped three times on the door.

“Anna?” I called.

I wondered for a moment if she had forgotten her invitation. Considering she might be in her backyard, I walked around the house—her car was in the driveway—and turned into the yard. No Anna.

I swept up the back porch steps to the kitchen entrance. The door was ajar. I tapped on its frame, calling Anna’s name.

Hearing no response, I again said, “Anna?”

I pushed open the door and took a step into the kitchen. The breakfast table, usually parallel to the island, stood at an angle, one corner shoved against the wall. Two chairs had been overturned. Scattered across the floor between the table and island were shards of china, cloth napkins, silverware, and a dented box from Rizzuto’s, its red and green string still tied around it. The napkins soaked up coffee spilled from a smashed glass carafe. The damage reminded me of the “redecorating” Melanie and I would do to a set during one of our characters’ famous brawls.

And then I noticed one of the red stilettos Anna had worn the night before on the floor between the stove and island. A cast-iron skillet lay beside the shoe.

I stepped to the right of the island to avoid the mess and instantly knew I wasn’t in a television studio. Anna lay sprawled on her side, her hair splayed across her face and her right arm extended across the floor.

I rushed to her. “Anna!” Kneeling, I pulled back a few locks of the hair covering her face, flinching when I saw blood around her nose and on the floor.

I pressed my fingers to her neck to check for her pulse. “Come on!” I pleaded as my fingers swept across her skin searching for rhythm in her heart as my own heart hammered a frantic beat.

About the Author

Jeanne Quigley grew up reading mysteries, watching soap operas, and vacationing in the Adirondacks, never imagining these pleasures would inspire the Veronica Walsh cozy mystery series. Jeanne’s love of characters—real and fictional—led her to study Sociology and English at the University of Notre Dame. Jeanne has never been a soap star, but she has worked in the music industry and for an education publisher. She resides in Rockland County, New York and is a member of the Sisters in Crime.

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Synopsis

The sun’s rays filtered in from the partially opened shades of the plane. They lit up the world in front of me and warmed my soul, knowing I was almost to my destination. The beautiful golden light replaced the grey and hazy cobwebs from my eyes, revealing the most spectacular scene I had ever seen in my entire life. I looked out the small seven-inch window and witnessed something that I’ll never forget! I beheld something in this magnificent world that the majority of people never get to see. I was looking out at Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak!

I was at the tail end of a three-flight journey with two layovers in between, nearly logging twenty-four hours of flight time. I hadn’t gotten any real sleep in the last thirty-six hours. My bloodshot eyes were heavy, my mind was slow and sluggish, and my body was even slower in response. How did I get here? I thought to myself. Am I d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g?

As Lao and Confucius once said, “A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step.” My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It’s about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It’s not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way.

Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don’t you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don’t be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time!

Get a download of Chapter One on Jeff’s Website

Q&A with Jeff

What inspired you to write I’Mpossible? –  My book is all about accomplishing the impossible and the journey we must take to fulfill our dreams.  When I got to college the professor had all 150 of his students write a paragraph on a certain topic and hand it in.  The next day he called six students names in the classroom and had them go to back of the room.  They were told in semi-private terms that they needed to take a remedial class so they could get caught up.  I was one of those six! I didn’t know it at the time but It was the best thing that could have happened to me.  I learned the basics of writing. I had a personal experience with a professor that cared about what I had inside my mind and heart.  He was someone who wanted me to learn how to express and share my own ideas and stories.  He taught me that the impossible was possible.  He helped planted a seed of hope in the field of stories.  I now love to lounge around in the world of words!  This class and professor helped liberate me from the chains of doubt and discouragement.   In return I hope to inspire millions to take their own first step towards their own dreams and desires with my personal story from trying to tragedy to triumph.  My joy and happiness comes from helping others break free and see there is more to life than what we see!

What makes your book different than other motivational books? – I tried to make my book a little different by not only telling a heroic story but also giving some obvious and not so obvious clues on how to climb and overcome your own challenge of life.  Whether it is physical, mental, social, or intellectual I believe there is a way to accomplish the impossible.  There are guide posts instead of chapters and there is an invitation for every reader to think about certain areas of their lives and other places to take action with those thoughts.  The invitations are not overwhelming and may seem too simple but if followed, they will change your life.  I tried to make it clear and simple but powerful!

About the Author

Jeff Griffin is a wheelchair athlete who earned his Master’s degree in Education and knows how to win.  He played in the 2004 Athens Olympics, holds a Guinness Book of World Records, and is a four time NWBA All-Star MVP.  He enjoys mentoring youth, distributing wheelchairs, and providing Peer Training Materials through his humanitarian efforts with LDS Charities.  He is passionate about progress.

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Title: Restless
Author: Michelle Bellon
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Pages: 204
Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

You grow up. You get married. You have a family. At least, that’s what Malea Winters believes she’s supposed to do. So why is it that every time she comes close to finding that happily ever after, she runs?

When she meets Garrett Taylor, she warns him that she’s not the marrying type because history has shown that long-term relationships are not her forte. She has a tendency to leave when things get too serious; the direct result of being raised by an emotionally detached mother and a stepdad with philandering ways. So she swore off men and surrounded herself with her best friends; three quirky, funny women who are facing challenges of their own.

But Garrett is everything she’s ever looked for; charming, successful, fun, and sexy. Despite her better judgment, his persistence pays off and she finds herself falling for him.

Learning how to love and be loved will be the hardest lesson she’s ever faced. The question is, will her relationships survive that lesson?

Excerpt

As I walk down the aisle, avoiding eye contact with my husband-to-be, I remember the dream and feel the need to run.

I clutch the bountiful bouquet of flowers, red and white for our Christmastime wedding, and feel the sweat on my palms collect in the center. I want to rub them down the front of my dress.

But that would be unacceptable. My grandma has lovingly sewn every stitch, carefully placed every pearly bead, and worked every delicate piece of lace. It’s a work of labor and love.

Today, I am supposed to be a princess.

But as I look around at familiar faces, friends and family, watching me take this enormous step into life as a wife, as a life partner, I feel anything but princess-like.

I feel the lie. I feel the relentless pursuit of truth. Both follow me down the aisle, tapping on my shoulder and reminding me that I have no ability to live up to this responsibility.

I am quaking in my white heels. My knees are shaking. But still I march forward on the arm of the only male in my life I’ve ever thought of as a father. He isn’t really, but he’s the only man my mom brought home over the years to whom I formed any real emotional attachment before they’d split ways. Due to his philandering ways, he was out of our life more than he was in it. But when he was around, something inside of me recognized something inside of him, and I cared for him.

I swallow down my fear. It’s only nerves. It’s normal. This is the natural order of things: you grow up, you get married, you have a family. That’s how it’s done.

Then what?

I finally make eye contact with Garrett and search for…safety? Love? Answers?

Only my own fear reflects back. He can see the hesitation, the anxiety, the angst. He smiles cautiously. He’ll never admit what we both know.

Just before we reach the altar, I take one last look around. The gathering within the small church is there for only one purpose: to watch us get hitched.

I could run right now. This is my last chance. I could just turn around and make a run for it.

About the Author

Michelle Bellon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her four children and boyfriend, Seth. She loves coffee and has an addiction to chapstick.

She works at a surgery center as a registered nurse and in her spare time writes novels. She writes in the genres of romance suspense, young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. She has won four literary awards to include making finalist in the New Age category in the USA Book Awards for her latest release, The Fire Inside.  Her latest release is the contemporary romance, Restless.

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Killer Kale Chips

Health Nut Mysteries

Patrice Lyle

Gemma Halliday Publishing

Synopsis

In the city that never sleeps, Dr. Piper’s search for the perfect wedding dress turns into the search for the perfect murderer. When famous diva Veronica Forks drops dead after eating a bag of Ken’s Killer Kale Chips, suspicion falls on former-mafioso-turned-surfer-dude, Ken.

According to Piper’s PI flashcards, Ken has the motive (she witnessed a tiff between him and Veronica), the means (the kale chips), and the opportunity (he was at the expo). But Piper’s sure the surfer-dude can’t be a killer and, as any good PI knows, the flashcards aren’t always right.

Plus Brownie, Piper’s pet pot-bellied pig, is addicted to Ken’s Killer Kale Chips, and if Ken’s arrested, Brownie will never snack again! So Piper takes it upon herself to root out the murderer who’s adding “killer seasoning” to kale chips before he strikes again.

** Coming in May **

About the Author

Patrice Lyle loves green smoothies, dark chocolate, mysteries, and humor. She wove these elements together when she created the Health Nut Mysteries, a cozy series about a naturopathic doctor who solves mysteries at health expos. Patrice also writes paranormal young adult and middle grade fiction, as well as holistic medical suspense. She has an MA in Writing Popular Fiction and a PhD in Holistic Nutrition. She’s also a Certified Traditional Naturopath. She now lives in Florida with her husband and two kitties, and is a firm believer in the theory that laughter is the best medicine.

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Synopsis

Crouch End Confidential, the agency started by housewife and mother, Cathy O’Farrell, with ex-cleaner, Pimple is failing badly. Hardly surprising when Cathy’s too soft-hearted to charge their only clients, little old ladies seeking lost pets and a school kid searching for his stolen bike.

A new case involving a teenager in possession of an unexplained Glock pistol promises to change all that. Quickly Cathy’s deep in waters over her head, forced with hilarious results to pose as a mathematics tutor, a subject of which she’s truly clueless. There’s also the tricky situation of best friend and new mother Rosa hiring her to investigate her fiancé, Alec, plus the mysterious sabotage of Cathy’s friends’ cycle shop and a gang of yobbos dealing drugs at her children’s primary school.

Worst of all, an ill-fated trip to rural Norfolk has Cathy’s husband, Declan, intent on buying a post office and transplanting the family to safer climes, threatening to tear Cathy permanently from her beloved North London home.

Pretty soon Cathy’s risking her friendships, her marriage and even her life untangling all these messes. But that’s what you get for meddling in murder…

Excerpt

What the fudge?

The branch creaks alarmingly as I test my weight against it. For a second I think it might snap but then my foot slips and we part company anyway. Bark scrapes another layer off my grazed skin and to my horror I find myself tipping backwards, falling, falling…

Far beneath me my daughter Sophie gives an unwitting squeal, Henrietta’s twins shriek in unison and I hear son Josh call out ‘Mummeeee!’ when as much by luck as design my left arm catches a forked limb long enough for me to grasp it and come to a bone-jolting, shoulder-wrenching stop. Sweat drips down my body, my knees shake uncontrollably and something’s poking between my ribs like a sharpened spear, causing an actual hole through clothes into flesh.

Dangling, I somehow hook one leg round the main trunk and cling there like my life depends on it. Which, for the record, it does.

‘Hang on, Mum!’ Sophie yells for perhaps the fifteenth time. She’d wanted to climb up here but I’d told her it was too dangerous. When will I listen to my own advice?

I stop panting long enough to call down. ‘I’m OK, sweetheart. Perfectly safe.’ How long since I last clambered up a tree? Me, an overweight, unfit middle-aged, mother-of-two in not so skinny jeans. And what did I promise my family – that I’d avoid potentially risky situations? That any cases I took on would absolutely not involve capturing murderers or exposing criminals? Not that our patch of North London known as Crouch End is inundated with killings, just that I’ve somehow succeeded in entangling myself with two in the last eighteen months. And now the simplest of mundane jobs has turned an everyday school drop-off into what could possibly be my final farewell.

A terrified glance below shows Sophie clutching on to her younger brother’s arm, their long-standing feud forgotten as they contemplate their mother’s plight. Lauren, Henrietta’s eldest by two seconds, is hopping from foot to foot, pale with anxiety while her sister’s nervously studying her watch. I wonder what’s upsetting them most – the thought of Aunty Cathy’s untimely demise or being late for class. Yet again.

Three feet above me, inches from reach, a tortoiseshell cat stares down with baleful yellow eyes. I hold out a coaxing hand. ‘Here, Fluffy. C’mon, kitty. Pishhh whishh.’

Disregarding me entirely, he licks his paw before stalking further out, balancing on a twig, with the arrogant grace of a tightrope walker. Oh how I wish I’d ignored him when I saw that distinctive white-tipped tail swagger across the zebra crossing. But I’d spent weeks scouring backyards, crawling on hands and knees, peeking under parked cars, over hedges, listening to sweet old Mrs Thompson choke back sobs as I admitted failure.

I’m gathering my courage and strength to scale higher when my mobile rings. I wedge my bum into a crevice between branch and tree, tighten my hold and, with a few contortions worthy of the great Houdini, extract my phone from my pocket to peer at the screen.

Caller’s number withheld. Should I answer it?

Am I in any position to answer it?

About the Author

Ellie Campbell is a pseudonym for sister writing team, Pam Burks and Lorraine Campbell.   Running wild as tomboys in Scotland, playing imagination games, they couldn’t dream that one day they’d co-author novels despite an ocean between them. From boring clerical jobs in London to a varied life of backpacking and adventure travel, both started almost accidentally as short story writers, Lorraine when working in publishing, Pam as a fun hobby while an at-home mother of three.

By the time each had 70 short stories published internationally, Pam was settled in Surrey, England, and Lorraine had finally taken root in Boulder, Colorado. Long telephone chats about life and fiction led to their current collaboration.  They have produced five acclaimed novels – How To Survive Your Sisters, When Good Friends Go Bad, Looking For La La, To Catch A Creeper and Million Dollar Question.  They write contemporary women’s fiction laced with humour, romance, and mystery.

When not hunched over computers, Lorraine, a certified ROTH ‘horse whisperer’, can usually be found messing about with her four rescue horses and Pam on a fund raising bike ride, madly cycling over mountains to Paris, Barcelona or Gibraltar on the back of her husband’s bone-shaking tandem.

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Giveaway

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Passion, Poison, & Puppy Dogs

A Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery

Sally S. Smith & Jean Steffens

Gemma Halliday Publishing

ISBN: 9781943587469

Synopsis

—In this dog eat dog world, it’s people you have to keep your eye on.

When Lizzie Jones, pet sitter extraordinaire, is asked to watch over her best friend’s two spoiled dogs at the posh gated community of Craggy Hill Estates, the last things she expects is to wind up in the middle of a homicide. But that’s exactly what happens when she finds her best friend’s cheating husband and Danger Cove’s celebrity bodybuilder champ, Mr. Jupiter, floating face down in his hot tub. To make matters worse, the police aren’t looking any further than the wife for a suspect—isn’t it always the wife? Well, not in this case—at least Lizzie refuses to believe it.

Between dealing with Craggy Hill’s hot security guard, Tino Morales—who also just happens to be the man who broke Lizzie’s heart in high school, caring for her grieving friend, and watching three rambunctious dogs, Lizzie has her hands full. So she recruits her famous granddad, retired network field correspondent, Jimmy John Jones, to help her put two and two together to find the real killer. Was Mr. Jupiter murdered by one of his women on the side? A jealous, disgruntled employee? Or someone with a bitter and deep-seated hatred of the superstar? It’s up to Lizzie, Jimmy John, and Lizzie’s own pug, Vader, to crack the case before the killer claims another victim…this one much closer to Lizzie’s own heart!

Visit the Town of Danger Cove official website!

Gemma Halliday Publishing  * Amazon * Nook * iBook * Kobo * Smashwords * Print

Excerpt

“I was thinking about you too,” I said. “I had a terrific time last night. Dinner, dancing. What more could a girl ask for?”

He smiled down at me, lifted my hand over my head, and led me to circle beneath our arms. Humming softly, he pulled me into a slow dance and whispered in my ear, “There are all kind of rhythms to the bachata. You like this one?”

Whew. When exactly had his cute-and-cuddly factor flipped the switch to hot and sexy? I was so caught up in the nearness of him that I actually made it a few beats before stepping on his toes and causing him to flinch in pain.

Dang. “Sorry, Tino. I guess I should have warned you that I’m a notorious klutz.”

He was all dewy-eyed and cuddly. “But the cutest klutz I’ve ever seen.” And before I realized what he had in mind, he bent his head, pulled me in at the waist, and planted a kiss on me. Our lips met softly, then tightened as we pushed against each other, caught by surprise at the heat we were generating.

I stepped back, breathing hard. He blinked a few times and ran his hand through his soft dark hair.

“Oh my,” I said.

“Caliente,” he said.

“Yes.” I shook my head to clear it. “You can say that again.”

“Caliente.”

Trailer

About the Authors

The international best-selling writing team of Sally J. Smith (right brain) and Jean Steffens (left brain) make up equal halves of one totally functional writer’s mind. Creative and intuitive and organized and systematic? What could be better than that?

The two desert dwellers work together side-by-side, literally finishing each other’s sentences, putting together their novels faster and more efficiently than they ever could individually.

When their heads aren’t together over a manuscript, you’ll find them with their families, at a movie, the yoga studio, the mall, or out-to-lunch—in the food sense, not the spaced-out sense, well…most of the time. Their current series include Jordan Welsh & Eddie Marino Novels, Mystic Isle Mysteries, Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mysteries, and coming soon, Aloha Lagoon Gabby LeClair Mysteries, and Digby Sloan Mysteries.

Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens, are partners in crime—crime writing, that is. They live in the Valley of the Sun in Arizona, awesome for eight months out of the year, an inferno the other four. They write bloody murder, flirty romance, and wicked humor all in one package.

Visit our website, look around, and sign up for our newsletter. We love hearing from our readers and always answer our e-mails: smithandsteffens@cox.net.

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Giveaways

2 great giveaways!!

$25 Amazon Gift Card, Valid tour wide (US & Intl)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

and

The Passion, Poison & Puppy Dogs Give-Away: A Digital or print copy of the book, a coffee mug of adorable Vader, and a bib apron with our celebrity pug.

Go to our Smith and Steffens, International Best-Selling Authors FB Page by Saturday May 12th. Comment under Vader’s picture to enter and win a bib apron and coffee mug starring Vader, our celebrity pug, & your choice of a digital or paper copy of the book.