Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, romance on October 17, 2018

Title: Ensnared

Author: J.S. Scott

Release Date: October 16, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Synopsis

Wildlife conservationist Jade Sinclair isn’t used to having money. But when she and her siblings learned they were part of the mega-rich Sinclair dynasty, they became billionaires overnight. Jade doesn’t even know how to act rich, especially when she’s dealing with an arrogant, privileged, unreasonably sexy snob like Eli Stone.

Unlike Jade, Eli grew up rich, and he just keeps getting richer. Eli is always looking for an adventure, and he’s found an inviting one in Jade—as resistant as she is irresistible. His less-than-honorable plan? Get her alone in the wilderness by buying out all the spots in her survival class.

Calling a truce, they strike a bargain: Jade will teach Eli basic survival skills, and he’ll teach her how to navigate the world of the wealthy elite. Jade has only one condition—she will not let herself be seduced by him. But some things are easier said than done . . .

Excerpt

I slowed down as I turned off the main highway.

I pulled onto the rough road to the small cabin on the property. There were enough bunk beds in the rustic structure for everybody, but students had the option of pitching tents or building their own shelters if they chose.

After I parked my Jeep, I unloaded some supplies and checked out the cabin. Although I encouraged foraging and trapping, I always made sure to have enough basic food so students didn’t starve.

I sat on the wooden steps and took a deep breath, relaxing to the sounds of the birds and the feel of a light breeze that caressed my skin.

I opened the book I’d brought along, the latest from my favorite erotic romance writer. The reading material was one of my secret pleasures, maybe because I’d never been overwhelmed by lust for any man, but I loved to read about the possibility.

I was mostly a realist, but I loved the fantasy of some hot guy sweeping me off my feet.

Other than a boyfriend in college who had used me to help him get his degree and then disappeared after graduation without a word, I’d never been in a sexual relationship.

Honestly, my ex hadn’t exactly rocked my world. But I liked to think that love and lust existed.

Brooke had always accused me of being a closet romantic. And maybe she was right. As a scientist, believing in soulmates, love, and unbridled lust didn’t make much sense. But I couldn’t stop myself from wanting to believe it was real anyway.

It had happened for my twin, and Brooke deserved the love she had with Liam. Her capacity to care about other people was endless.

A sigh escaped from my mouth as I started reading the scene I’d left off on the last time I’d picked up the book.

It was hot.

It was sensual.

And even though the male hero was an obnoxious alpha sometimes, I adored the way he wanted to give his woman everything and protect her from anything bad in the world, and how incredibly devoted he was to the woman he loved.

“Hello, Jade,” a smooth baritone said from above me, the deep voice startling me so much I instinctively slammed the book closed.

Even though I loved steamy romance, I didn’t exactly broadcast it, except to my friends who read the same type of books.

Unfortunately, I’d gotten so lost in the hot fairy tale that I obviously hadn’t heard my first student arrive.

I shaded my eyes and looked up, curious because the voice was familiar, but I was pretty sure that since I lusted after Eli Stone, I was hearing that whiskey-smooth baritone voice only in my imagination.

My heart skittered as I focused in on the face belonging to the sexy male voice.

It was Eli Stone, and I gaped at him like an idiot because I couldn’t seem to reconcile him and being out in the middle of nowhere.

I scrambled to my feet, feeling at a disadvantage because I was so far below him. But the position change didn’t help all that much. I was average height, and Eli Stone was all muscle—broad, tall, and pretty damn intimidating, even though he was casually dressed in jeans, a T-shirt that only showed how ripped he was, and a pair of hiking boots.

For just a moment, my eyes were drawn to the dark scrolls and sharp angles of the tribal tattoo that covered his left arm, ending at his wrist. The markings were a stark black against his tanned skin, and the ferociousness of the design left me speechless.

I wasn’t into tats, and I’d seen Eli’s in images many times, but there was something about those markings that made my heart lodge in my throat. They were fierce, but for some reason they only made me feel . . . sadness.

“What are you doing here?” I finally asked hesitantly as my gaze went back to his face.

He folded his muscular arms in front of him as he answered, “You didn’t seem to want to come to me, so I’m coming to you. I’m your student for the next thirty-two hours or so, Jade.”

I might not have been fond of Eli Stone, but his presence was still a little bit overwhelming.

Okay, maybe more than a little bit.

It had been so long since I’d seen Eli in person that I’d started to tell myself that I’d overestimated the tension that had flowed between us in his office.

But I really hadn’t.

My body was taut just from being in close proximity to him, and the hypervigilant awareness I felt when I looked at him was very, very real.

The feelings were so powerful that I couldn’t focus on anything else but him.

I didn’t understand it.

But I was truly experiencing it.

The same awkward, potent attraction I’d fought in his office months ago.

I swallowed hard, my brain working to figure out exactly how I could get rid of Eli Stone before I made a complete and total fool of myself.

About the Author

J.S. “Jan” Scott is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous contemporary and paranormal romances, including The Sinclairs series. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature, but romance has always been her genre of choice—so she writes what she loves to read: stories that are almost always steamy, generally feature an alpha male, and have a happily ever after, because she just can’t seem to write them any other way! Jan loves to connect with readers. Visit her website at www.authorjsscott.com.

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Posted in Giveaway, Interview, mystery, Trailer on October 17, 2018

Book Title: Murder by Perfection by Lauren Carr
Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 3)
Category: Adult fiction, 322 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: May 31, 2018

Synopsis

Perfection can be a fatal endeavor.

Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a couple’s gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford―the model of perfection in looks, home, and business.

When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford’s life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly.

Interview with Lauren Carr

Please share with us a favorite memory?

Bedtime with Mom listening to her read Perry Mason to me. That was when I fell in love with mysteries. Later on, I would climb into bed with her at night and we would read together: She would read Perry Mason while I read Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. Ah, such wonderful memories.

Please describe a perfect meal – including menu and those present?

Lobster or crab legs, baked potato, Caesar salad, chocolate mousse pie, raspberry iced tea

What are some of your favorite ways to relax?

Fire in the fireplace on a snowy afternoon with my laptop and a free afternoon to write away with no one to disturb me.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Right here. We have a beautiful home on a mountaintop with a view across the valley. Yet, I have to admit that I sometimes yearn for the “other side” and a visit to the beach: but only to visit.

For what would you like to be remembered?

For making everyone around me smile.

Share with us a few of your dreams. Also whether they have been fulfilled or are still a work in progress.

I’ve dreamed of success, best-selling author, Fame, penthouse, etc. but I have come to realize that I have been blessed by achieving my dream: I am a writer, and I get to write my books, plus, I have the added blessing of a fabulous family (perfect husband and brilliant son, and two nutty dogs) and beautiful home. If I had to trade any of them in for a spot on the NY Time best seller list, I’d turn them down.

If you could leave the world with one piece of advice, what would it be?

The Rolling Stone’s song: You don’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

A whole bag of chocolate truffles that I hide in my underwear drawer under my panties.

What is next for you?

On October 16, the thirteenth installment of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Crimes Past will be released. It is available for preorder now.

It’s a bittersweet reunion for Mac Faraday when members of his former homicide squad arrive at the Spencer Inn. While it is sweet to attend the wedding of a late colleague’s daughter, it is a bitter reminder that the mother of the bride had been a victim of a double homicide.

The brutal slaying weighing heavy on his mind, Mac is anxious to explore every avenue for a break in the cold case—even a suggestion from disgraced former detective Louis Gannon that one of their former friends is the killer.

When the investigator is brutally slain, Mac Faraday rips open the cold case with a ruthless determination to reveal which of his friends is a cold-blooded murderer.

But wait! There’s more! I am currently working on the fourth Lovers in Crime Mystery, The Root of Murder. Look for this to be released in early 2019.

Book Trailer

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

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Posted in Cozy, Gifts, Giveaway, mystery on October 15, 2018

Murder She Sent mainly works with Penguin Random House and Kensington to offer a Cozy Mystery or First in a Series box each month.

It is a cozy mystery subscription box with a new release cozy mystery paperback book, 4 homemade/handmade artisan items from small US-based businesses, exclusive author content and exclusive discounts.    First in a Series box is the first book in a cozy mystery series, either an Alfred Hitchcock or Ellery Queen magazine, an exclusive keychain, and 1 artisan item.

Purchase from CrateJoy  AND  Purchase from Murder She Sent

About the Creator

Billie Jenrette.  Owner and curator for Murder,  She Sent. 39 years old. Have had this subscription box company for a year in September.

The logo. His name is Fletcher the cat. He’s named after Jessica Fletcher of Murder, She Wrote.

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Posted in Giveaway on October 14, 2018

I don’t have any spooky books on my shelf to send out, so I am going to give the winner a $10 gift card to Amazon or B&N or your favorite bookseller if they have online gift cards. So it is a winner’s choice giveaway!

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Posted in Giveaway, mystery, Romantic Suspense on October 14, 2018

Burden of Proof

FBI Rapid Response, #1

by

DiAnn Mills

Genre: Inspirational /Mystery / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Date of Publication: October 9, 2018

Number of Pages: 416

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Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

Purchase the book

Praise

“The tension level rises as layers of lies are peeled away in multiple plot twists.” —Library Journal

“DiAnn Mills is a master of fast-paced and intricately plotted romantic suspense.” —Colleen Coble, Bestselling author

“[A] fast-moving, intricately plotted thriller.” —Publishers Weekly

 

 

 

 

DiANN MILLS SHARES SONGS THAT KEEP HER WRITING.

Music is an important part of my life and is consistently on no matter what I’m doing. The following are my top 7 musical inspirations that keep me focused, encouraged, and sometimes in suspense mode.

  1. “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams – Inspiration, encouragement, and focused!
  2. “Oceans” (Where Feet May Fall) by Hillsong –  Inspiration and encouragement
  3. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – Inspiration and encouragement
  4. Anything Andrea Bocelli does fills me with inspiration.
  5. Jaws – Soundtrack. I’m sure you figured this out, but definitely, suspense music when I’m writing.

  1. This is a YouTube site for 29 1/2 minutes of crime/suspense mood music:

  1. This is a YouTube site for 1 hour of suspense music:

 


DiAnn 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 Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, 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. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers.

 ║ Website ║ Facebook ║ Twitter ║

║ Instagram║ Goodreads ║ LinkedIn ║

║ YouTube ║ Pinterest ║ Google+ ║ BookBub ║

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10/9/18 Excerpt Hall Ways Blog
10/9/18 Author Video Kelly Well Read
10/10/18 Review That’s What She’s Reading
10/11/18 Top List The Page Unbound
10/11/18 Top List Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
10/12/18 Character Interview Chapter Break Book Blog
10/13/18 Review Missus Gonzo
10/13/18 Excerpt All the Ups and Downs
10/14/18 Playlist StoreyBook Reviews
10/15/18 Review Momma on the Rocks
10/16/18 Review Reading by Moonlight
10/16/18 Excerpt Books and Broomsticks
10/17/18 Video Guest Post Sybrina’s Book Blog
10/18/18 Review The Clueless Gent
10/18/18 Review Forgotten Winds

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Spotlight on October 14, 2018

A Very Merry Murder (A Professor Prather Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Camel Press (October 1, 2018)
Paperback: 258 pages

Synopsis

It’s December in Copper Bluff, and from hillside to hallowed hall, everyone is merry—or will be as soon as semester break arrives. Students are studying, professors are grading, and Emmeline Prather is anticipating the university-sponsored holiday concert. Friend and colleague Lenny Jenkins will be accompanying the visiting quartet, Jazz Underground, and Em can’t think of a better way to kick-start the holiday season.

But before she can say “Jingle Bell Rock,” trouble arrives at Candlelight Inn, the bed and breakfast where the quartet is staying. One of the band members dies unexpectedly, and suspicion falls on Em, whose altercation with the man ends with him on the floor. He never recovers, and now she’s worried her reputation might not either. When Emmeline starts to see parallels between an Agatha Christie novel she’s teaching and the victim, Lenny claims she’s read one too many mysteries.

As the clues unravel, so does the murderer’s patience. Em is close to finding the truth, but will the truth—or the murderer—push her over the edge? It will take a Christmas miracle to solve this case, but if there’s one thing in surplus this time of year, it’s faith.

© Julie Prairie Photography 2016

About the Author

Mary Angela is the author of the Professor Prather academic mystery series, which has been called “enjoyable” and “clever” by Publishers Weekly. She is also an educator and has taught English and humanities at South Dakota’s public and private universities for over ten years. When Mary isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Webpage * Blog * GoodReads * Facebook * Twitter

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Posted in 5 paws, Giveaway, Historical, Middle Grade, Review on October 13, 2018

The Encouragement Letters

by

Shanna Spence

  Sub-genre: Middle Grade / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Book Liftoff

Date of Publication: November 22, 2017

Number of Pages: 180

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WILLIAM CROMWELL, at age eleven, knew what it was like living with new changes. In 1865, Manchester, England a new textile factory moved into town and after a tragedy that befell him and his mum, they struggled to live. With so many things going on in his young life he wanted to be the encouragement that his father was to him.

As everything changes along with terrible hardships, just maybe the hope he gives to the growing town will find its way to Will…

Praise

This was such an uplifting wholesome book! It was so nice to read something positive about a time when people were so willing to step in and help someone in need without expecting anything in return! I couldn’t put it down! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

Excellent read!! This story speaks to people in all walks of life. It is encouraging, sweet, and funny at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone needing to see what it means to “treat others as you want to be treated.” — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

A very inspiring book from a great new author! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

A charming tale of a simpler time. Yet, the message is ageless. I congratulate Ms. Spence on this her first effort and look forward to more entertaining reads from her in the future.– 5 Stars, Kindle reviewer

A story to inspire anyone and everyone. In a small way, it reminded me of Benjamin Franklin penning letters as Mrs. Silence Dogood, but only to the extent that the letters were somewhat anonymous. But that is where the similarity ends. These were letters of hope, encouragement, and appreciation for the good works done by various citizens.

I was enthralled with young William Cromwell. At age 11 he shows more maturity than one would expect of such a young lad. His father has passed, yet he is doing everything he can to help his mum make it through life. He works for his uncle in this small English village yet finds time to complete schoolwork assigned by the teacher (apparently many did not attend a formal school but learned on their own), do chores around the house, and help his mum whenever possible, especially when she became ill. William has a box of letters from his father that are inspirational and encouraging. Reading these letters inspired him to write letters to various people in town for the kindness shown towards him and others. Only four letters were written in the book and each recipient had their spirits lifted knowing they were appreciated by someone.

I was impressed that no matter how bad the situation was for the Cromwells, they have a positive spirit and outlook. So when fortune did come their way, they appreciated it even more.

The book does mention some tragedies, but it is not detailed where it might disturb younger minds. (father’s death, William attacked/mugged) and the theme of hope and optimism is spread throughout the book.

This book is written for middle-grade readers and the language reflects the target audience. It is simplified but anyone can enjoy this book if for the message alone.

We give it 5 paws up.

Shanna Spence is a wife, mother, and registered nurse of over twenty years. She has written poetry since the age of thirteen and always dreamed of writing books. Raised in a small East Texas town, she pursued a career of nursing in Dallas, Texas but eventually went back to East Texas to settle down and raise a family.

Now she finally has found the time to fulfill her dream of writing stories that will hopefully bring out the imagination in others — as well as inspiration. She is currently living in Longview, Texas.

 

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10/10/18 Notable Quotable Momma on the Rocks
10/11/18 Review Hall Ways Blog
10/12/18 Excerpt Max Knight
10/13/18 Review StoreyBook Reviews
10/14/18 Author Video The Page Unbound
10/15/18 Character Interview Chapter Break Book Blog
10/16/18 Review All the Ups and Downs
10/17/18 Author Interview That’s What She’s Reading
10/18/18 Review Reading by Moonlight
10/19/18 Review Missus Gonzo

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, Guest Post, mystery on October 13, 2018

The Spirit in Question (A Lila Maclean Academic Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Henery Press (October 2, 2018)
Trade Paperback | 252 pages

Synopsis

English professor Lila Maclean knew drama would be involved when she agreed to consult on Stonedale University’s production of Puzzled: The Musical.

But she didn’t expect to find herself cast into such chaos: the incomprehensible play is a disaster, the crumbling theater appears to be haunted, and, before long, murder takes center stage.

The show must go on—yet as they speed toward opening night, it becomes clear that other members of the company may be targeted as well. Lila searches for answers while contending with a tenacious historical society, an eccentric playwright, an unsettling psychic, an enigmatic apparition, and a paranormal search squad.

With all of this in play, will she be able to identify who killed her colleague…or will it soon be curtains for Lila too?

Guest Post

Today we welcome Cynthia to StoreyBook Reviews.  Today she tackles that ever pressing issue we all have – passwords and what happens when you get locked out.  I am sure we have ALL been here at one time or another.

A Tiny Plea

 

With so much happening online nowadays, do you ever find yourself sputtering as you try to navigate labyrinthine systems that seem intent on keeping you out of your own accounts?

Let’s begin with the password construction rules, which have spiraled out of control. For example: must include six numbers, two uppercase letters, four ingredients for apple cobbler, and a pie chart representing the statistical probability of bellbottoms making a comeback.

Plus they are hard to remember.

Plus you have to keep track of so many.

Plus they make you change them every other second.

And if by some miracle you do make it past the cybergates, you are as likely as not to get a message that insists Your Browser is Not Supported. Which is baffling, since you’re constantly updating that too.

Or perhaps it’s a pop-up declaring It Is Not Recommended That You Continue—even though continuing is the only possible method for doing what you came here to do in the first place.

If you’re lucky, all you have to do is click the Help button.

Though that may lead to Oops! Nothing To See Here!

Or Your Message Could Not Be Delivered.

Or Not A Recognized User.

Or You Have Reached This Page in Error. Please Click Help For Assistance.

And let’s not even get started on the whole We Do Not Recognize The Device You Are Using Even Though You Tell Us To Remember It Every Time You Come Here So Now We Have Decided To Text You An Important Code Which Means You Must Stop What You Are Doing Online In Order To Search Your House To Find Your Phone Which May Be In A Drawer Or The Back Yard Or On The Moon Who Knows But This Code Must Be Texted All Hail the Mighty Code And You Must Enter The Code Perfectly And Complete This Task Within Our Extremely Short Time Period Or We Will Start This Entire Nightmare Anew.

Dear Universe: please fix all the things.

About the Author

Cynthia Kuhn teaches and writes in Colorado. Her work has appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD and other publications. She is the current president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado and blogs with Mysteristas.

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, romance on October 12, 2018

Synopsis

Fake engagements are a dangerous business.

Bryan James’s job is on thin ice unless he can secure a contract with a popular design house. He knows his best friend’s sister can help—but her terms are more than he bargained for.

Alexis Devers’s debut fashion line is a hit. But when Alexis’s publicist tells buyers that it landed her a wealthy, gorgeous fiancé, Alexis needs to come up with one—fast. Bryan’s offer to strike a deal is perfectly timed. She’s more than willing—on one condition…

It’s the perfect plan…until feelings start getting in the way. Suddenly, the dangers of mixing business and pleasure become much more real than either of them expected.

Excerpt

Bryan and Alexis make their “unorthodox arrangement.”

“Before I sign these, there is one more thing I want to request from you.”

Meeting her gaze, he asked, “What can I do for you?”

“Funny you should pose that question. I’ll warn you, what I’m about to ask is very unorthodox.”

His brow hitched. “I see the immense value in this account, Ms. Devers, and I plan to do whatever you require in order to gain your business.” He used that line often when a new account was on the line, but he didn’t remember ever meaning it as sincerely as he did at the present moment.

She smiled, gave a small chuckle. “I’m about to test that. Call me Alexis.”

“Okay, Alexis.” He settled in, giving her his full attention. “Let’s hear it.”

“When my partner was out drumming up retailer interest in our fashion line, she told one reporter that I was engaged to be married. For some reason, that made the line more saleable. Sydney’s little falsehood is now part of the public discourse, because the reporter mentioned it on television.”

He could feel his brow scrunch with confusion. “That’s an odd way to go about it, but whatever works. Though I’m not sure what this has to do with me.”

Another soft chuckle. “I’ll just ask you straight out, then. Would you be willing to pose as my fiancé? At least until the line gets off the ground and becomes well-established?”

He blinked several times. Did she just say what I think she said? “I’m sorry, what?”

“I told you it was unorthodox. I need a wealthy, handsome fiancé on my arm, and my cursory research tells me you fit the bill. So will you do it?”

“You researched me?”

She shrugged, her expression remaining casual. “All it took was a little bit of digging online to find out a few things about you. I also looked into Royal’s company history, and based on that and your illustrious educational and professional background, I’d wager you are financially set.”

He blinked a few times, unable to disagree with her assessment. “Okay, then.”

“And as far as the other thing, I’m not blind.” She fixed him with an appreciative stare. “You’re very easy on the eyes.”

His pulse quickened, his throat becoming dry as his body reacted to her words and her tone of voice. “You were right. This is the first time I’ve had a request like this.”

She said nothing but kept her eyes on him.

He met her gaze, arrested by the dark pools of her eyes, framed by a thick fringe of black lashes. “And what exactly would I have to do as your faux fiancé?”

“It depends on whether the line catches on. You have to be seen in public with me. We’d need to appear affectionate toward each other, of course.”

“I can handle that. Is there more?”

“If things go well, there will probably be television interviews and press. So you may have to appear affectionate in front of cameras. I won’t ask much else of you.”

He cupped his chin, thought about what she was asking him to do. He couldn’t deny that it appealed to him. “Is this strictly a business offer? Or is there more to it?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’m sure you could ask someone else, but you asked me. So what does that mean? How should I take that?” He searched her face, attempting to gauge her motivation.

She pursed her lips momentarily before answering. “I’m attracted to you; I can admit that. The way I see it, that will only make this easier. Our engagement will look like the real deal.”

She just admitted that she’s attracted to me. He’d thought as much, but to hear her say it was the best kind of confirmation. He quieted as he let the satisfaction of her admission sink in for a few moments.

“I apologize if you think I’m out of line or if I made you uncomfortable. If you’d like to think about it, I understand, and I can wait a few—”

“I’ll do it.”

Now she appeared surprised. “Really? Just like that?”

“I’m attracted to you as well. But I think you know that.”

She broke eye contact for the first time in several minutes, and a hint of redness crept into her cheeks. “I know.”

“And since I’m marriage agnostic, I don’t have any qualms about the whole fake engagement thing.”

One arched brow lifted. “Marriage agnostic?”

“I don’t have any strong feelings about the institution, one way or the other.”

“Hmm.” She seemed to turn that over in her mind for a moment. “So you’re sure you want to do this?”

“Why not? The two of us can have fun, at least until this little arrangement has served its purpose.”

She said nothing, watching him intently.

“You need a manufacturer as well as a fiancé. I need this contract. I’d say this is a pretty good way for us both to get what we want.” He nodded as he thought about it further, because he planned to make full use of his time as Alexis’s intended, fake or otherwise. “Whose brilliant idea was this, by the way?”

The blush in her cheeks deepened. “Mine…”

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery on October 10, 2018

Murder in the Museum: An Edmund DeCleryk Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Cozy Cat Press (February 13, 2018)
Paperback: 266 pages

Synopsis

Early one gray November morning, retired Lighthouse Cove, NY police chief, Edmund DeCleryk, finds Emily Bradford’s body on the beach at the base of the bluff where the local museum and historical society stands. At the same time, a break-in has been reported at the museum, and Emily’s coat and purse are found hanging on a peg in the museum’s gift shop where she worked. Was her death the result of a burglary gone bad or something more sinister?

When the police chief is called out of town for a family emergency, he hires Ed, now working as a criminal consultant, to assist deputy police chief, Carrie Ramos, with the murder investigation. After several leads don’t pan out, the chief, now back in Lighthouse Cove, decides to close the case. Confident that with more time the murder can be solved, Ed is determined to continue investigating on his own, with encouragement from his wife, Annie the museum’s executive director.

One morning while in the basement of the museum, the couple discovers a copy of a map dated 1785, and Ed’s instincts tell him it may be connected to Emily’s death. On a hunch, he and Annie travel to Toronto, Canada, where he learns of the original map and a manuscript written in 1847 that were unearthed during an archaeological dig. The manuscript contains information about a ship that capsized during a fierce storm on Lake Ontario — in 1785. Now Ed has clues as to why the murder occurred, but he still doesn’t know who committed the crime. Or does he?

About the Author

Karen Shughart received a B.A. in Comprehensive Literature from the University of Pittsburgh and completed graduate courses in English at Shippensburg University.

She is the author of two non-fiction books and has worked as an editor, publicist, photographer, journalist, teacher and non-profit executive.  A Murder in the Museum: An Edmund DeCleryk Mystery is her first work of fiction.

Before moving to a small village on the shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York, she and her husband resided in south central Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg, PA.

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