Posted in excerpt, romance, Spotlight, Western on August 13, 2016

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Synopsis

Historical western filled with steamy romance and the rawness of a growing country.

A letter from a grandfather he’s never met has Brody Yates escorted across the country to work on a ranch rather than entering prison. But his arrival in Oregon proves prison may have been the lesser of two evils. A revenge driven criminal, the high desert, and his grandfather’s beautiful ward may prove more dangerous than anything he’s faced on the New York docks.

Lilah Wells is committed to helping others: the judge who’d taken her in years ago, the neighboring children, and the ranch residents, which now includes the judge’s handsome wayward grandson. And it all gets more complicated when her heart starts ruling her actions.

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Excerpt

What the judge called the ranch buildings looked like a small town to Brody. He stood in the wagon counting the buildings. A two-story ranch house, a long low building Lilah pointed out as the bunkhouse, a cabin she said Buster Malone, the foreman, lived in with his wife and their two children, and two large barns. That didn’t even count the smaller buildings scattered around between the other larger buildings. This looked like a town compared to the sparse little buildings that had dotted the one street in Venator.

The wagon stopped in front of the large barn. A tall man with broad shoulders, large arms, and a leather apron walked out of a small addition to the barn.

“Didn’t expect you back until dark, Judge.” The man took hold of the horse on the left side.

“I didn’t expect to come back to thievery.” The judge climbed off the wagon. “Brody, help Lilah down,” he barked.

He leaped out of the back of the wagon and held his arms up to the young woman. He didn’t usually jump when given an order, but when the order allowed him to put his hands on a pretty girl, he didn’t balk.

She blinked a few times, then slowly leaned down into his upraised hands. He caught her at the waist and lifted her down. She wasn’t a wispy girl. He could feel her body was hard from working. He’d held several girls who worked hard every day of their life. They had muscles as hard and strong as men.

He set her feet on the ground and continued to study her. He liked the smattering of freckles, it gave her a youthful appearance. She licked and opened her full rosy lips.

“You can let go of me. My feet are on the ground.”

He released her and stepped back. Glancing around, expecting a lecture from the judge for holding onto Lilah too long, he found the old man in a deep discussion with the man who still held the horse.

About the Author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 25+ novels and over a dozen novellas and short stories of murder mystery, western historical romance, and action adventure. She has a RomCon Reader’s Choice Award for her Action Adventure and received the EPPIE Award for Best Contemporary Romance.  This is what reviewers says about her Letters of Fate Series: “What a refreshing and well written love story of fate and hope! Very well written but sometimes sizzling love scenes!”

All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

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Posted in Children, Craft, Spotlight on August 12, 2016

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Synopsis

Doing fun activities with the family gets expensive, but now with Meggan’s $5 Family Fun, you can make, bake, and do incredibly fun things with your young family for under $5. Using dollar store finds, free local services, generic bands, and common household items, you can make every day an adventure. Gather your whole family together for inexpensive family fun activities and memories that last forever.

 

I am so excited to share UFO day from Meggan’s book.  Sure UFO day is in July, but how fun is this for your little space adventurers?!  If you visit her blog, Instagram or Pinterest page you will find more crafts and ideas.  Or scroll down and purchase her e-Book.

UFO Day – $5

Keep your eyes to the skies on July 2nd because it’s World UFO Day.  Believers and skeptics alike will have fun with these out-of-this-world fun balloon and food craft projects.

Glowing Alien Balloons – $2

Supplies:

  • White Balloons from the dollar store – $1
  • Green Glow Sticks (bracelet size) from the dollar store – $1
  • Black Permanent Marker from starter kit – $0

Directions:

  1. Break glow sticks to activate.
  2. Begin to blow up balloons to medium size.
  3. Insert a glow stick in each as quickly as possible to avoid much air loss.
  4. Continue to blow up the balloon to its fullest capacity and tie off.
  5. Draw large alien-like eyes onto your balloons with the black permanent marker.

Cookie UFOs – $3

UFO - Cookie

Supplies:

  • Large Cookies (whatever your taste preference) from the dollar store – $1
  • Gumdrops from the dollar store – $1
  • White Icing from the dollar store – $1

Directions:

  1. Use the icing as your “glue” to attach the gumdrops to the cookies. You don’t need to use a kitchen baggie as a makeshift piping bag.  Just using a kitchen butter knife, spread a little icing to the flat side of each gumdrop and use to affix to the underside of the cookies.  Allow a few minutes to dry & set.  This will create the legs to your UFO so it can stand on your plate.
  2. Using icing and more gumdrops, affix one or more gumdrops (use your imagination) to the top of the edible UFO.

Note:  If you have any leftover glow sticks, create your own ceiling fan flying saucer.  Break glow sticks to activate and using the masking tape from the starter kit, (while the fan is turned off) overlap the glow stick ends with the top side of the fan blades and secure into place with masking tape.  Turn off the lights and turn the fan on high.  Sit on watch your glowing flying saucer spin above your head.

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About the Author

meggan spicerOnce she had a family of her own, Meggan Spicer discovered just how easy it was to spend $50 on family activities or outings without even batting an eye. As a result, the concept of $5 Family Fun was born. Meggan is a recruiter by profession, a wife, and a mother, and resides in the Little Rock, Arkansas, metro area. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas, and she enjoys cooking, watching movies and crafting.

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Posted in Book Release, Cozy, excerpt, Giveaway, mystery on August 12, 2016

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Hidden Deception

Mystery (cozy, psychic)
Date Published: August 12, 2016

Synopsis

Just back from Paris, Shelby barely has time to get over her jet lag before she is right back in the thick of things. Uncle Joey, the local mob boss, needs her help to find out what his son is hiding from him. Detective Harris, AKA Dimples, has an unsolved homicide on his hands, along with a missing engagement ring. Shelby’s husband, Chris, just got promoted to partner in his law firm, and she has yet to see his new office or meet his new secretary. Add to that the opportunity to purchase a beautiful home, and Shelby is racing from one thing to the next while trying to keep them all straight.

When a courier in Uncle Joey’s organization turns up dead, it’s up to Shelby and her mind-reading powers to find out who killed him and why. The house Shelby wants to buy has a few problems that go beyond the building code, and the murder she’s helping Dimples solve has ties to Chris’ law firm. Even using all of her skills, Shelby finds one hidden deception after another. And if she’s not careful, it might be the one she least expects that will kill her.

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Excerpt

Today began like any other Monday.

The routine of getting my kids off to school was just the same as it had always been, and I found it a little disconcerting to think that I’d just had the adventure of my life in Paris, and now it seemed like I’d never been gone.

We’d gotten home on Friday, so with the weekend to get over my jet-lag, there was no excuse for not going back to my everyday life. It would have been depressing except for the fact that I had something to look forward to. Just thinking about it sent a thrill of excitement through me.

My husband, Chris, had just made partner at his law firm. With that came a few other benefits, one of which was a big raise in pay. On the plane ride home from Paris, Chris had mentioned this to me, along with the news that the house I’d always admired from afar was for sale. Now, there was a real possibility we could afford it.

I’d had my eye on that house ever since we’d moved into the area. It had a certain enchantment about it that fueled my imagination. It was situated on a beautiful, stately, tree-lined street, and was built in the Old Victorian style. It even had a round turret on one side that spanned two floors, and another in the back. A wrap-around porch had recently been added, making it even more inviting.

It wasn’t a huge house, but big enough for our family, and I’d always thought it would be cool to live there. Even better, it was in our neighborhood and school district. So if we did buy it, our kids could stay in their schools and keep their friends.

The only drawback I could see? People moved in and out a lot, so it might need some fixing up, especially the yard. But that also meant the price would be lower, so it could all work out in the end. Chris had called a realtor on Saturday, and I had an appointment to meet him there this afternoon.

This fit into my plans perfectly, since I needed to visit Thrasher Development this morning and have a talk with Uncle Joey. He was the local mob-boss and my employer. And he wasn’t even my real uncle. But since he knew my secret, I was more or less coerced into working for him.

Recently, he’d sent his hit-man, Ramos, to look after me when I’d accompanied a federal agent to Paris on a routine trip. It had turned out to be a heck of a lot more than I’d bargained for. In fact, without Ramos’ help and protection, I’d be dead.

The last time I’d talked with Uncle Joey, he wasn’t too happy with me. And since he’d basically saved my life by sending Ramos… again, I owed him big-time, probably for as long as I lived. Or at least until my mind-reading abilities stopped. So far, that hadn’t happened. And deep inside, I hoped it never would.

It had been a whole year since my life changed during a bank robbery at the grocery store while I was shopping for carrots. A bullet wound to my head had changed something in my brain, and now I could hear people’s thoughts. I could hardly believe how fast the time had gone since then.

In fact, reading minds had become so much a part of my identity that I didn’t think I could ever go back to the person I was before. So, even though it might get me out of helping a mob-boss, and keep me out of trouble, and even keep me from getting killed, I’d hate to lose it. How crazy was that?

On the other hand, Uncle Joey was getting older. He had to be over sixty-five. That meant he should retire at some point in the next few years. Maybe by then, he’d let me off the hook. Ha! Who was I kidding? Uncle Joey didn’t seem like the retiring type. He liked power way too much. And barring death, either his or mine, I didn’t think I’d ever be out from under his thumb.

It also worried me a little that the circle of people who actually knew my secret had just widened to include French Inspector Gabriel Dumont. But since I’d helped save a chunk of Paris, he’d readily agreed to keep it to himself.

So, including Uncle Joey, Ramos, my husband, Chris, and Detective Harris, whom I called Dimples, that still added up to only five people, so maybe it wasn’t so bad. Oh wait, there was one more… Kate.

How could I forget her? She was the main reason I got involved with Uncle Joey in the first place. As a new lawyer at Chris’ law firm, she’d set her sights on Chris, even though she knew he was happily married to me. In order to stop her, I’d threatened to expose her ties to the local mob-boss, Joe ‘The Knife’ Manetto, whom she called Uncle Joey.

That’s when it all went wrong, and I had to tell Uncle Joey my secret in order to stay alive. Kate had since been banished to run Uncle Joey’s operations in Seattle, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t pop back up in my life at any time.

Just thinking about her brought a sick feeling to my stomach, but now that she was involved with Alec Passini and his shipping company, I hoped that kept her occupied. Still, I wouldn’t put it past her to ask for my help if she needed it. So, of all the people who knew my secret, Kate was the one I worried about the most. Good thing I had Uncle Joey on my side. Everyone else thought I had ‘premonitions,’ and I needed to make sure it stayed that way.

Now that I was back in the real world, it hit me that I had a lot to worry about, so to alleviate those worries, I decided to change my focus to the possibility of purchasing my dream home. That helped revive me and, with anticipation, I jumped into the shower to get ready for my day.

An hour later, I pulled into the parking garage of Thrasher Development and gathered the special gifts I’d purchased in Paris for Uncle Joey, his secretary and wife, Jackie, and Ramos. I was excited about the gifts I’d bought for Uncle Joey and Jackie, but more than a little nervous about the one I’d bought for Ramos. I mean, what could I possibly give to the man who’d rescued me from a bunch of crazy terrorists?

Not only that, but he’d stuck by my side when he could have easily been blown up. The little Eiffel Tower I’d gotten him seemed kind of silly, but it was also personal. The first time I’d seen it sparkle was the night he’d saved my life and took me there to help settle me down. Now, when I thought of the Eiffel Tower, it was always of that moment standing there with him.

It was bad of me in so many ways, especially considering the kiss. Of course it wasn’t a personal kiss since Gabriel had kissed me too. It was kind of a French thing to celebrate not getting blown up; Joie de Vivre, and all that.

Still, I had to admit that I’d liked it, and that I didn’t feel too guilty about it. That probably made me even more of a bad person, but it’s not like I’d ever do it again. I loved my husband more than I could say, and we had two great kids together.

But Ramos was special to me too, and always would be. So giving him the Eiffel Tower was an okay thing to do, right? Still, maybe I should forget about it and just give him the extra chocolates instead. Then I wouldn’t have to worry that I’d crossed some sort of line.

“Babe.”

About the Author

colleen helme 2As the author of the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, Colleen is often asked if Shelby Nichols is her alter-ego. “Definitely,” she says. “Shelby is the epitome of everything I wish I dared to be.” Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby’s adventures. “I love getting Shelby into trouble…I just don’t always know how to get her out of it!” Colleen lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family. Besides writing, she loves a good book, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.

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Posted in Christian, Giveaway, Interview, Romantic Suspense, suspense on August 11, 2016

DEADLY ENCOUNTER (FBI: Task Force)

by DiAnn Mills

Genre: Romance / Suspense / Christian

Publisher: Tyndale House

Date of Publication: August 1, 2016

Number of Pages: 376

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synopsis

Cover Deadly EncounterAirport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.

Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.

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Praise for the FBI: Houston novels

Deadlock: “This is a fast moving crime story with several interesting twists and turns. [Deadlock] is a page turner.” — Online Reviewer

Double-Cross:  

“Mills does a superb job of character and plot development in this faith-filled series.” — Christian Library Journal

“Mills’ writing is transparently crisp, backed up with solid research, filled with believable characters and sparks of romantic chemistry.” — Novel Crossing

Firewall:  

“Christy Award–winning Mills skillfully builds a menacing overall tone, and the tension level rises as layers of lies are peeled away in multiple plot twists. This novel, which takes off at a breakneck pace with a narrative arc that could have been ripped from today’s headlines, will greatly appeal to fans of James Patterson’s “Alex Cross” series and readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.” — Library Journal starred review

“Mills takes readers on an explosive ride. The terror is all the more chilling because it could easily be a headline story on the nightly news, and Mills’ characters spring to life through their fears, strengths, and quirks. A story as romantic as it is exciting, Firewall will appeal to fans of Dee Henderson’s romantic suspense stories.” — Booklist 

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AuthorInterview

Today we welcome author DiAnn Mills to StoreyBook Reviews.  We had a chance to sit down and talk about her writing and here are the results of our Q&A!

How has being a Texan influenced your writing?

I see characters and plot everywhere I look and listen. My state is filled with courageous people who have dynamic stories. The problem is choosing which one to write!

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

We live in a dangerous and scary world. Tragedies occur on a daily basis. I write romantic suspense in which at least one character solves his/her problems from a Christian worldview. The crimes are real, and the heroes and heroines are committed to keeping others safe. I write with hope and reality.

Where did your love of storytelling and writing come from?

I must have been born with the gene! My normal response is I used to get spanked for lying (it was okay then) and now I get paid for it.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first book in the second grade on a Big Chief notebook pad with a #2 pencil. But I didn’t pursue writing seriously until 1996 when my husband challenged me: “Stop telling me you’re going to one day write a book. Do it now. Quit your job. I’ll give you one year to get anything published.” I accepted the challenge and my first book was released in 1998. Never went back to my old job. 🙂

What kind(s) of writing do you do?

This made me think. I write romantic suspense novels; blogs on the craft and social media; devotions; suspense short stories; a how-to write a novel (nonfiction) and tons of social media posts.

What cultural value do you see in writing/reading/storytelling/etc.?

Since the beginning of time, people have crowded around camp fires to hear stories. Fiction writers are able to show culture and history in story form. Many people refuse to read nonfiction: it’s frightening and real. They want an escape. A novel entertains, inspires, and encourages the reader to be a better person while learning how a hero or heroine solves a problem.

If you could speak with any accent from anywhere in the world, what would you choose? 

French

If you were an animal in a zoo, what would you be?

A lion.

about the author

diann millsDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, romance, Spotlight on August 11, 2016

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Synopsis

Four friends

Each a Best Man at a wedding

One chance to get it right

Jase Foster can’t believe his bad luck. He’s been paired with the she-devil herself for his best friend’s wedding: Emily Klein of the miles-long legs and killer smile. She may be sin in a bridesmaid dress, but there’s no way he’s falling for her again.

They can barely stand each other, but given how many of their friends are getting married, they’ll just have to play nice—at least when they’re in company. Once they’re alone, more than just gloves come off as Jase and Emily discover their chemistry is combustible, and there may be something to this enemies to lovers thing after all…

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Excerpt

Because Jase wasn’t looking at her like he wanted to insult her. Or carry on with the banter. He looked like he wanted something else. Maybe the same thing she’d only in that second realized she wanted too.

Jase frowned. Coming to his senses maybe, probably. Because this look between them was nuts. Wrong. Something she knew she shouldn’t want, but couldn’t seem to break away from regardless.

So it was good that he was. Because otherwise she didn’t even want to think about what—

His stare dropped to her mouth. And with a shuddering breath, she realized, yes, she was already thinking about it.

About how big his hands felt on her leg. How strong his arms had been around her. How the lips she’d forced herself to stop speculating about in high school might taste.

“Just once,” he said, his voice gone gravelly low. “Just to put an end to the curiosity.”

She was nodding, sort of, her head moving the barest amount.

“No way will it live up to the hype,” she replied. “I’ll walk away disappointed. Probably feeling sorry for the girls with such high expectations.”

Jase’s mouth curved at one corner, a cocky addition to his words. “You’ll walk away wishing for more.”

She might. “Not a chance.”

“Whatever.” And then he did it. Caught the back of her neck in his palm and closed the distance between them, his eyes locked with hers, almost daring her to back out, until that last instant when she saw something flash in them besides challenge. But then, contact.

Contact that teased with a barely there quality, rubbing in a gentle, tasting exploration that shocked a trembling gasp past her lips.

Damn. She wasn’t supposed to get caught up in it. She wanted to remain unaffected. Indifferent. But the skill with which Jase’s firm lips moved over and against hers made indifference impossible. He was good.

Jase pulled back.

Shoot. She hadn’t wanted it to end. Wasn’t ready for the wanting more he’d promised to become a reality so quickly. But the last thing she was going to do was beg, even if she could still feel that almost-too-light, somehow just-perfect press of his lips.

Her eyes drifted open, and she found Jase barely an inch away. A frown carved deep across his mouth. His eyes dark and fixed on hers.

“Jase,” she whispered, barely managing the single word before the fingers at the back of her neck tightened and she knew without question what was coming next.

More.

His mouth crushed down on hers. No tentative kiss this time. No featherlight tease. His mouth was firm, his kiss confident. Arresting. She opened beneath him, letting him lick into her mouth, breathe against her lips. Taste her tongue as she tasted his.

Her fingers were locked in the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. Because, yes, please—closer. She needed him closer. And he must have been of the same mind because he’d wrapped his arms around her and was gathering her toward him as he kissed her again and again. Devoured her mouth, and groaned when she bit at his.

Her fingers were in his hair, the silky waves she’d spent too many study halls thinking about. Thank God she’d never gotten her hands into the stuff before now, or she wouldn’t have been able to forget it. Even now, she wondered if she could.

His kiss was so hot.

Hot enough that that her mind seemed to be flickering between satisfaction that this was Jase—her high-school fantasy fulfilled—and the certain knowledge that this had to stop because it was Jase. Jase, kissing her like she’d never been kissed before. Jase thrusting into her mouth, his tongue sliding wet and hot against her own. Jase working one wide palm beneath her skirt and up the side of her thigh, his grip tightening and relaxing with every few inches he advanced. Jase making her burn and beg for his touch to extend just a little further, just that much more, just—

A phone sounded but neither of them stopped, not until the third ring when suddenly Emily jerked back with a gasp, staring in horrified shock at Jase, who looked more stunned than anything else. Stunned and still wearing that sexy sort of frown on his face.

They were in the car. In the parking lot of the church, where they were both supposed to have been five minutes ago.

Jase snapped out of it, patting around his pockets and then retrieving his phone, all while keeping his eyes trained on her.

“Jase,” he answered. Then, “Are you fu—” He broke off, closing his eyes as his free hand went to the bridge of his nose and a coarse sound worked its way past his gritted teeth. Slapping the wipers on, he asked, “They can’t get anyone else?”

Emily sat up as her stomach began to sink. Over the dash she saw the first signs of activity. One bundled body after another leaving the church.

Oh no.

“Okay, man. Yeah, let me know.” Clicking off the call, Jase looked down at Emily’s feet still in his lap. “Priest slipped on the ice and broke his hip. They aren’t sending anyone else out. The wedding will have to be rescheduled.”

Passing the phone across the seat, he sat quietly as Emily dialed first one number, then another until finally she got through to the father of the bride.

Sally was okay but didn’t want to talk. They were taking her home.

A moment later, there was a knock on the window. And one of the other bridesmaids was holding up Emily’s boots and coat.

“You want a ride home?” she asked, her stare flickering from Emily to Jase and then back again.

Emily was about to crawl out the window and into the girl’s arms because she was so relieved to see her—because what the heck had she been thinking—when Jase pushed her back in her seat and reached past to grab her things.

“I’ll take her home.”

Oh man.

 

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly grew up in the Chicago area and earned her degree in fine arts from Loyola University. She met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy, only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her. They live in rural Minnesota.

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, paranormal, romance, Spotlight, Young Adult on August 10, 2016

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NEVER KISS AND Tell

(Guardian Kiss, 2)

by Megan Gaudino

Romance/Paranormal/Teen

72K/Evernight Teen Publishing

Synopsis

Sophia Destino has a target on her back.

Someone is determined to make sure she doesn’t see tomorrow. When Leo takes off on a dangerous mission to track down her attacker, Sophia is left to deal with a life that’s been turned upside down. Then she discovers her importance to guardian legend. She thought she was strong. She thought she could trust Leo. Until she discovers that her biggest fear is Leo’s greatest desire. Leo wants to be human again, and Sophia is the key to him doing just that. But should she risk everything for Leo and their happily ever after, or has Leo been tricking her all along to get what he wants?

14+ due to adult situations

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Excerpt

“Don’t be afraid.” Leo’s deep voice wrapped around me like velvet.

I bolted to the light switch and flicked it up. Was my mind playing tricks on me?

“Leo…” It was barely a whisper and held a hint of a question.

“My Sophia.” He stood up and held his arms out to me, just waiting.

Waiting was something I’d done a lot of for Leo. I kept my spot by the door, with hopes so high they could kill me. He looked the same—out-of-this-world hot, and fortunately not injured in any way my eyes could detect. He wore severely distressed light-washed jeans and a plain black V-neck. His flaxen hair curled wildly around his face and his lips were tight.

The look was so good on him I almost couldn’t take it.

The dark look on his face told me he was feeling exactly the same way about me and my dress.

Without knowing who made the first move, I ended up in his arms. Leo held me close to his chest as my feet no longer touched the ground. I clung to him with everything in me, not caring how hot his flesh felt against mine and forgetting to be angry with him for being gone so long.

“I missed you,” he told me as his hand cupped the back of my head while his other supported the entirety of my weight.

“I missed you more, I bet,” I told him, believing my words to be true. There were so many thoughts swirling in my head.

“Impossible.” He sat us down on the edge of the bed and cradled me in his lap since I refused to end our hug.

“Well, you could at least see me.” I had to point out the obvious. I’d had no way of knowing if he was even alive.

Leo gently nudged my head up with his shoulder and tilted my chin with his burning fingers until it was level with his. “I’m sorry I left you.”

Before I answered, his lips caught mine in a crushing kiss. My hands buried themselves in his hair and held his face as close to mine as possible. My heart was beating so loudly I was sure he could hear it and I couldn’t breathe but it didn’t seem to matter.

Leo’s mouth only left mine to kiss my shoulder, then trailed down to my arm. Where his lips met my skin, visible puffs of steam appeared.

“Oh, God.” He groaned and tried to pull away from me.

“No,” I told him as I tried to keep him close.

“I’m hurting you.” He brushed the hair away from my eyes, just barely touching me.

“Stopping would hurt me.”

My words were all it took for his lips to be back on mine. Leo fell back on the bed and pulled me with him. First I was on top of him. Then all of a sudden Leo was on top. My hands pressed into his back with all the strength I had as I pulled him closer to me.

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Books 1 and 2 now available HERE

About the Author

Megan Gaudino works in a high school library by day and on her own books by night. She is particularly fond of every show on HBO and writes YA and NA novels full of emotions. Megan lives in Pittsburgh where you can find her reading, writing, and Instagraming.

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Posted in 3 paws, excerpt, Review, romance on August 10, 2016

from fake to forever

From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk

Release Date: June 6, 2016

 

Synopsis

Sandra Moyer’s preschool is struggling, so when her sister suggests allowing a super-famous actor to research his latest role there, she reluctantly agrees. Except the actor turns out to be Ben Capshaw—a playboy who’s never serious, always joking around, and who knows zero about kids or being a parent. Case in point: his involvement in the untimely death of the preschool’s class pet…

Ben is enjoying teaching more than he thought he would, but that doesn’t mean he’s looking for a permanent position. Sure, he’s ready for more serious movie roles and less goofing off, but the buttoned-up, beautiful Sandra and her young daughter are more than he bargained for. Plus, Sandra still won’t trust him—what if it’s all an act, research for the role? As the lines between make-believe and reality blur, Ben will have to decide if love is worth casting aside the role of his life for a new role…that could last a lifetime.

Previously released as The Role of a Lifetime – (May 2008) and has been enhanced with new material.

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Excerpt

Ben stood up and walked over to the windows, grabbing the attention of Missy and the rest of the class. His eyes swept around the floor a few seconds, and then he finally saw it. Holy crap, how could he not? That thing was huge.

“What’s the matter, Big Bens?” he heard Missy ask.

“Nothing.” Gargantuan spider, actually. But he didn’t want to announce that in case there were any squeamish kids in the room.

It was one mother of an ugly insect and—now that it began to move—remarkably fast for possessing those thick little legs. Being the he-man he was, he wasn’t about to let it get away so it could boast to all its hairy little friends. So he grabbed a heavy dictionary off the shelf, aimed, and then let the book drop. “Got it!” he called out.

The children shrieked. His head whipped up and around, trying to sort through the sudden mayhem. He’d had absolutely no idea ten little preschoolers had the ability to create enough noise to blow out an eardrum, but at that precise moment there was enough sound to fill a stadium. But even among the loud chatter, he heard some of the kids cry out, “Herbie!”

Herbie?

That thing had a name?

Ben’s eyes shot to Missy for an explanation, but she just stood there like a corpse with wide eyes bulging out and a hand raised to her mouth. Oh-kay. He obviously wasn’t going to get any support in that corner. He was officially on his own.

Great. Now what? He was going to make things much worse if he picked up the book and allowed the class to see the smeared-up guts of Herbie, so he simply froze, wishing for some big hook to come and yank him away.

Then his wish was granted.

Sandra, aka big hook, appeared at the door of the classroom with her no-nonsense line of attack that stomped out all the commotion around them. Oh, man. She was not looking happy with him, either—not that he’d seen her looking any other way. More bad timing on his part. She had a way of popping in on him when he wasn’t exactly his best. Too bad he couldn’t have screenwriters helping him out with choice lines in real life, because he could sure use a witty one now. Coming up with nothing on his own, he hiked his shoulders up at her, hoping she’d take it as a white flag being waved. However, Sandra didn’t seem ready to declare peace.

“Ah, Mr. Ben, a word, please?”

Uh-oh. This was bad. She was giving him an even more snotty tone than she had first used on him. He had to be more careful with what he wished for in the future. No more big hooks. Next time, he’d be much more specific and wish for a scantily clad woman with more than a significant amount of appreciation for movie stars. But one who still looked exactly like Sandra.

Where did that thought come from?

Sandra turned and disappeared, not waiting for his response. He supposed she thought it was automatic, a given that he’d ask how high when she said jump. But he followed her out anyway. Even the wrath of Miss Sandra was better than staring into the shocked little faces of those poor kids. He obviously needed more child training than he thought.

Once they were out in the hallway, he quickly tried to make amends. “Okay, maybe I didn’t use good judgment in that particular circumstance. But I—”

“Our theme this month is bugs,” Sandra informed him, pointing to the countless decorations of various bugs throughout the hall. “Are you blind or something?”

Ben took in his surroundings and blinked, strangely noticing them for the very first time. Hmm. Well, what do you know about that? “Uh…no, I saw your little bug things hanging around.”

“Right.” She shot him a withering glare before entering her of office.

He followed her in, running a hand over the top of his head. “Okay, I didn’t know. But I didn’t commit a felony, either. Like you never killed a bug before.”

“Never in front of the children.”

“What are you, some kind of tree hugger? Did you see that thing? It was a gross-looking spider.”

She whirled around to face him. “Yes, I know! Herbie, that gross-looking spider as you call it, is dead thanks to you.”

“Now, how was I supposed to know you had some kind of freaky school mascot?” he shot back. “What kind of place are you running here, anyway? Your daughter told me there was a bug. I saw it, the thing was scary and hairy, and I reacted. As an actor, I’m used to going with my emotions.”

Her arms folded tighter than a bed waiting for basic- training inspection. Her sleeveless cream-colored turtleneck accentuated her tanned, beautifully sculpted arms, and as she cocked her head, studying him—no, judging—with eyes like two deadly blue arrows, he’d never seen anyone look as captivating or as alluring in his life. And as a man—not an actor—he wanted to react to that as well.

Review

This was a short, sweet/clean romance book. The book is clean with just kissing and references to the past.

The story line was enjoyable and I thought it interesting that Sandra goes from being married to an actor to falling for another one, and one that is a notorious playboy. But perhaps Ben had never met the right woman until Sandra came along.

There is some humor at different situations especially Ben working in a day care and he has no experience with children. And Sandra’s sister and employee also show an interest in Ben with some comments.

Overall I thought it was good and worth reading, it didn’t wow me but was enjoyable and a quick read.  We give it 3 paws up.

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About the Author

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Samhain Publishing, Avalon Books/Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC’s Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME. Recently, her novel SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM won the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for Best Traditional Romance.

Lately she’s been on a serious exercise kick. But don’t hold that against her.

 

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, romance, Spotlight on August 9, 2016

trouble walks in cover

Synopsis

He could be the man to rescue her

Big city K-9 cop Ronan McGuire loves women, loves his dog, loves his job—but when old flame Maddy Morgan moves into his jurisdiction, he can’t think about anyone else. Ronan knows she’s way out of his league, but he’s determined to help Maddy live life to the fullest.

In more ways than one

With tragedy in her past, Maddy has immersed herself in work and swiftly made a name for herself in the hot New York City real estate market. She’s looking for safety, not love, but Ronan McGuire is as persistent as he is sexy, and his crooked smile is hard to resist. But all other concerns are wiped away when Maddy goes missing and Ronan and his bloodhound K-9 partner are tasked with finding her and bringing her home.

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Excerpt

“If you don’t behave and stay off this ankle, you won’t get your ice cream. As fate would have it, you just happen to have my favorite flavor, and I might go in there and eat it all up.”

“Lots of people like mint chip,” Maddy said quickly. “Besides, you’re not the boss of me. It’s my life, Officer McGuire, and I’ll have ice cream for dinner if I want to. So there.”

“Your life, huh?” Ronan arched one eyebrow and loosened his hold on her calf, lightly trailing his fingers over the exposed flesh. “If you ask me, you haven’t been doing much living since you moved here.”

“What are you talking about?” Maddy stilled, and her cheeks turned pink.

“This apartment is more like a showroom than a home.” Ronan adjusted the bag of peas and leaned his elbows on the edge of the couch. He shrugged. “It looks like you’re never here, but I know that’s not true. If you aren’t working or out jogging with me on a Saturday morning, you’re holed up in here like a hermit. You’ve been here for over a year, but this place barely looks lived in.”

“Hey!” That feisty spirit was back, and fire burned in those blue eyes. “I am not a hermit. I am the top-performing real estate agent in the most successful real estate agency in this city despite having to deal with a staff of people who sometimes act more like children than functioning adults. Take last night, for example. I was supposed to be training one of our newest hires on how to run an open house, and the little blond dingbat never showed. No text. No phone call. Nothing. I have a full plate, McGuire.”

Ronan stilled. Blond? The girl they had found in the park this morning was blond. She had no ID on her, but she was likely in her early to midtwenties, and based on the clothing she had left on her body, she was corporate. Not a pro or party girl, but a woman who had been at work or planning to go to work.

A knot of dread curled in his gut. The detectives had said the crime scene looked eerily similar to Lucille Bowman’s. He must have been looking at Maddy funny because she had stopped talking and was staring at him with a puzzled expression.

“Hello?” She snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Are you listening to me? If you’re going to insult me, the least you could do is let me rant at you a little.”

“I’m sorry.” Ronan shook his head. “I was thinking about work.”

Damn it. He’d deliberately been avoiding any discussion of the woman in the park, but the topic was the undeniable elephant in the room. Silence settled between them, and Maddy folded her arms. Ronan let out a frustrated breath and looked past her to Bowser who was oblivious to it all, having fallen asleep on the floor in front of the door.

So much for guard-dog duty.

“Is that why you’re giving me a hard time about living? Because of the girl in the park?” Maddy’s voice shook. “Because don’t think for one second that I don’t know how fragile life is, okay? Believe me, I know. Life can change in an instant. One minute everything is normal and you’re arguing about what to watch on television or what to make for breakfast in the morning…and the next…”

When he turned his attention back to Maddy and saw one tear fall down her cheek, he cursed under his breath. Without thinking about it, Ronan reached out and cradled her face with one hand, then swiped the tear away. Her eyes were closed, a fan of dark lashes resting on fair skin beneath them, and those full pink lips quivered.

“Ah, Maddy,” Ronan whispered. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. His voice was gruff and strained, full of emotions he didn’t quite have a name for yet. “I’m sorry. Look, sometimes I can be an insensitive asshole. Chalk it up to growing up in a house full of boys. But I’m worried about you. It’s like you’re hiding from the whole world…but please, don’t hide from me.”

When Maddy didn’t open her eyes, Ronan settled his forehead against hers. She sucked in a shuddering breath and curled her hands around his wrists. For a second he thought she was going to push him away, but she didn’t; she held him closer instead. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed that way, nose to nose, heart to heart. No words were spoken, and yet he felt more connected to her than to anyone else in recent memory.

He flicked his tongue over his suddenly dry lips before brushing them over hers. A breathy sigh mingled with a needy whimper escaped her luscious mouth and the sound drove him wild. But Ronan fought for restraint. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.

Her lips reminded him of plums, soft and sweet, and he reveled in the sensation as they melded with his. Maddy tangled her fingers in his hair, and he groaned when her tongue sought entrance, pushing into his mouth gently but eagerly. Ronan tilted her head, taking control of the kiss, and dove deep. She sat up and he moved with her, wanting to savor every bit of contact while still being mindful of her ankle.

Maddy sighed into his mouth as her hands slipped beneath his jacket and shirt. When her fingers splayed over the flesh of his lower back and dipped beneath the band of his running pants, all of the blood rushed from his head to other parts of his anatomy. His body started screaming for more—more of her touch, more of her taste—but his brain told him to slow the hell down. Emotions were running high for both of them. If they took this too far too fast, whatever this thing was between them could get snuffed out before they had a chance to explore it.

She was vulnerable, so taking it any further right now would be a shitty move. Ronan broke the kiss and pulled back, her face cradled between his hands. Her heavily lidded eyes were glazed with the unmistakable air of lust, and her lips were swollen from his kisses. Maddy tried to kiss him again, but he held her mouth a mere inch from his.

Her brow furrowed and confusion flickered across her face.

“What’s wrong?” she said through heavy breaths. “I thought this was what you wanted.”

“It is,” he rasped. “But I don’t think—”

The shrill ring of the cell phone in her pocket cut him off. Even if it hadn’t, the annoyed look in Maddy’s eyes would have put an end to things. She let out a curt laugh and removed the phone from her jacket before pulling away from him.

“You surprise me, McGuire. I never thought that you, the big stud I’ve heard about all these years, wouldn’t close the deal.” She pressed her phone to her ear and leaned against the cushions. “Maddy Morgan speaking. How can I help you?”

Ronan rocked onto his heels before rising to his feet. She avoided looking at him, but he couldn’t miss the irritated expression on her face. Great. He was screwing things up at every turn.

He ran both of his hands over his face and strode to the windows while Maddy took her call. Something about an appointment tomorrow and scheduling or rescheduling. The woman even worked on Sundays. Did she ever stop and breathe, or even take a moment to enjoy in the view from her own apartment? He pulled aside the drapes with one hand and looked out. The city was beautiful from up here. The windows overlooked the West Side and gave a partial view of Central Park.

Yup. It was easy as hell for her to hide up here, and why wouldn’t she? Had anyone tried to stop her? Ronan glanced over his shoulder at her. The flush from their encounter still lingered on her cheeks, and in that moment, he decided enough was enough. She’d had the opportunity to grieve and regroup—plenty of it—but it was time to change things up.

About the Author

Sara Humphreys is the award-winning author of two paranormal romance series. The McGuire Brothers series is her first foray into contemporary romance, and the first in the series is an RT Book ReviewsTop Pick. A public speaker and public speaker trainer, Sara lives with her husband and four sons in Bronxville, New York.

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Giveaway, Monday, mystery, Review on August 8, 2016

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SILK STALKINGS cover

Silk Stalkings (A Material Witness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Berkley (August 2, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425270592
E-Book ASIN: B01839Q47C

Fabric shop owner Polyester Monroe can get tangled up in textiles, but it’s murder that really throws her for a loop in the latest mystery from the national bestselling author of Crushed Velvet.

The time has come for San Ladrón, California’s annual Miss Tangorli beauty pageant, and Poly has agreed to use Material Girl’s inventory of shimmery silks to create embellished gowns fit for a crown. But when millionaire Harvey Halliwell—the man who revived the city’s citrus trade with his imported tangorli tree—is found dead days before the pageant contestants are announced, something sour takes over the town.

To make matters worse, her friend, mechanic Charlie Brooks, is soon caught up in the crime, having been seen in the company of the case’s prime suspect. Now Poly’s on a mission to squeeze out the truth. But as she searches for a pattern, the killer seems intent on cutting up the evidence…

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Review

This has become a favorite series. I may not know much about fabric or sewing, but I love learning tidbits from Polyester. I’m sure growing up she didn’t like her name, but it definitely fits now.

This time the mystery revolves about the main sponsor of a beauty pageant murdered days before it was to start. I loved how quirky the murder victim was – he wore orange because of a fruit he grew that was a tangerine/orange/lime combo. It sound interesting that is for sure. The author does a great job of diverting suspicion away from the actual killer because I did not suspect this person.

There is also a minor mystery (not crime related!) as to who this mystery man is and what he wants with Charlie.

On the personal front, Poly and Vaughn’s relationship develops a bit more. Then there is the matter of Charlie, Vaughn’s sister that was given up for adoption and more about her life growing up and who was in her life and what she experienced. I can’t wait to learn more about that family dynamic and how it plays out.

We give it 5 paws up!

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About the Author

DianeVallereI’m a former fashion buyer turned mystery writer, trading fashion accessories for accessories to murder. I was bit by the mystery bug as a kid reading Trixie Belden, Connie Blair, and The Three Investigators. Now I’m writing three series: the Style & Error Mysteries, the Mad for Mod Mysteries,  Material Witness Mysteries, and the new Costume Shop Cozy Mysteries!

The Material Witness mysteries feature Polyester Monroe, who inherits the fabric shop where she was born. Books include SUEDE TO REST  and CRUSHED VELVET . The third, SILK STALKINGS,  will be out in August 2016.

The Style & Error Series features former fashion buyer turned amateur sleuth Samantha Kidd. Books in that series include DESIGNER DIRTY LAUNDRY ; BUYER, BEWARE ; THE BRIM REAPER ; and SOME LIKE IT HAUTE . (A short story, “Just Kidding ,” tells the story of how Samantha first met shoe designer Nick Taylor). Book 5, GRAND THEFT RETRO, will be out in 2016.

The Madison Night Mysteries feature a modern day interior decorator who specializes in midcentury design (studying Doris Day movies to get the look right). Books are PILLOW STALK,THAT TOUCH OF INK , and WITH VICS YOU GET EGGROLL . A prequel novella, “Midnight Ice,” can be found in OTHER PEOPLE’S BAGGAGE .

The new Costume Shop Cozy Mysteries feature former magician’s assistant Margo Tamblyn who has come home to run her family’s costume chop. A Disguise to Die For was released February 2, 2016 and Masking for Trouble will be released October 4.

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Check out these other blogs on the tour

August 1 – Booklady’s Booknotes – REVIEW*
August 1 – Sleuth Cafe – REVIEW
August 2 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW *
August 2 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – REVIEW
August 3 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – REVIEW*
August 3 – Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT
August 4 – Jane Reads – REVIEW*
August 4 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
August 5 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW*
August 5 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
August 6 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 7 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW*
August 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
August 8 – Carole’s Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT
August 9 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
August 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW*
August 10 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW*
August 10 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
August 11 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
August 11 – The Girl with Book Lungs – SPOTLIGHT
August 12 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW *
August 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

Posted in excerpt, romance, Spotlight on August 7, 2016

love-lies-the-d-a-ad-san-francisco

Love, Lies & The D.A. Synopsis

Jada McLean is about to get married in nine days, when she walks in on her fiancé in a little more than a compromising position. Days later, she’s on a trip that she intends to be relaxing and a prelude to her fresh start, when she runs into the rude, obnoxious, but gorgeous Jonathan Kole.

Jonathan Kole is San Francisco’s newest District Attorney. When he finds himself deeply attracted to a stunning beauty, he has no idea that she’s about to get into BIG trouble with the law—and he’ll be the one presiding over her trial. To make matters worse, his father is the lawyer representing her in the high-profile case.

When a series of events force them together over New Year’s weekend, Jonathan’s feelings and ethics will come into question, while Jada comes to terms with the fact that she is falling for the man that will be responsible for attempting to put her behind bars… Little do they know, they’re both about to fall into a whirlwind so deep, it will send both their lives spiraling out of control.

Love, Lies & The D.A. Book CoverName: Jonathan Kole
Age: 37
Birth Date: January 15
Height: 6’4
Weight: 170 Lbs.
Race: Caucasian
Eye Color: Grey
Hair Color: Dark
Hometown: San Francisco, California
School: Stanford School of Law – Juris Doctorate
Occupation: District Attorney
Home: Pacific Heights, San Francisco
Traits: Protective, Resolute, Loyal
Favorite Outfit: Suit by day, faded ripped jeans and black T-Shirt by night.
Toys: Bentley Continental & Land Rover Evoque
Sports: Football
Hobbies: Sailing, Skiing & Mountain Biking
Favorite Wine & Food: Almost anything with a good glass of wine.

Excerpt ~ A Little Insight Into Jonathan & Jada’s First Meeting…

The pretty, young host escorts me to a table for two near a window with panoramic water vistas. Within minutes, a server takes my order. As my café latté arrives, I can’t help but overhear a rude exchange between a man and his leggy blonde with the host that escorted me to my seat.

“Look, I reserved that exact seat yesterday,” he says.

“I apologize, sir, but that seat is not available,” the host replies.

“Well, if you were doing your job in the first place, it would be available to me, wouldn’t it?”

“Sir, I’m sorry for the error, but it wasn’t written here. If you like, you can wait at the bar where I’ll be happy to serve you a complimentary beverage of your choice, or I can accommodate you at an available table now.”Love,-Lies-&-The-D.A.-AD-28

I can’t help but look to see who this asshole is.

Everything about him smells of money. From the designer jeans that hug his ass, all the way to the Jaeger Reverso watch that graces his wrist. He’s hot—probably in his mid to late thirties, tall, broad shoulders, piercing grey eyes, and a head of black hair like I’ve never seen.

Ordinarily, I might have found him attractive, if only he would just shut up.

Everything he says to that poor young girl, who has tried so hard to rectify someone else’s mistake, pisses me off. He’s been nothing but rude and condescending. As I look up, my eyes land straight on his. Then I realize they’re all looking my way. I turn around to look behind me, but there is no one. Then it dawns on me that he’s arguing with the host about my seat.

My meal arrives. I mind my business, and I proceed to enjoy it. Before I know it, I see him approaching my table. I pretend not to notice and focus all my attention on my lemon ricotta pancakes before me, but within seconds, he stands beside me.

“Excuse me, my name is Jonathan Kole. Would you mind terribly if you were seated elsewhere?”

My eyes travel across my pancakes to his broad thighs, to his crotch, and to what I suspect is an extremely trimmed stomach beyond his black ribbed sweater. Then I stare into his grey eyes in silence.

“You see, my girlfriend and I met right here at this table a year ago, and I wanted to propose to her. Here. Today.”

“Actually, Jonathan, I do mind. Seeing that I’m enjoying my meal, surely you wouldn’t mind waiting until I’m done. Or perhaps you can let that polite host, who has done everything possible to accommodate you, have you seated elsewhere.”

“Do you have any idea who I am?” he asks.

Asshole! Your name might sound familiar but who cares…

“No. You could be the king of England, and I wouldn’t give a damn.”

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

“You really want to know?” I ask quietly.

He lowers his head slightly, as if he’s seriously interested.

Love,-Lies-&-The-D.A.-AD-27“I am a woman who walked in on her fiancé screwing her best friend one week before her wedding, so forgive me if I’m not in a sentimental mood.”

His mouth drops open at my response.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Kole, I’d really like to enjoy my brunch.”

His piercing grey eyes are glaring into mine. I know he’s angry. His temple pulsates as he stares at me. He walks away completely flushed.

I don’t care. Perhaps if he had been nicer to that host I would have considered his request. However, because he comes from money doesn’t give him the right to speak to people any way he wishes.

I continue to enjoy my meal and notice him walking hand in hand to the bar with Malibu Barbie. Half an hour later, I ask for the check then purposely make him wait an additional five minutes before I leave.

On the way out, the host looks at me bright-eyed. “No one ever speaks to Mr. Kole that way, Miss McLean.”

“Well, it’s time someone taught him some manners,” I reply. I hand her a healthy tip, and I’m on my way.

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About Rebecca Rohman

Rebecca Rohman is a wife and designer currently living in the northeastern United States. She was a sales manager for a tourist magazine, and for many years prior, she was involved in marketing for a jewelry company and fine wine distributor.

About fifteen years ago, she started writing her first romance novel purely to entertain herself. In early 2012, she decided to complete and release it. Since then, she has released three additional novels. Unravel is her fifth release and her first novella.

Titles by Rebecca Rohman

A Problematic Love | Love M.D. | Love, Lies & The D.A. | Unravel | Uncorked

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