Synopsis

 

He knew there was a cost. He just didn’t know how great it’d be.

Gabriel Kelly returned to Russia for one reason—to bury his parents. After ten years in the United States, he hadn’t expected to return to his childhood home in the face of tragedy. However, after short days in Moscow, he begins to consider if the same call that cost his parents’ lives is now upon him.

Sofia Rykova’s dreams finally came true when she became a principal soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet. One night, though, an old crush walks back into her life, making her wonder if there is more to life than ballet. Gabe Kelly is just as she remembered, just as she longed for—yet religion stands between them.

Unknown to Gabe and Sofia, danger lurks closer than either would have guessed. The deaths of Gabe’s parents grow more suspicious by the day, and Gabe and Sofia are drawn into the midst of a plot neither can escape. Will obedience to God’s call—in spite of their fears and desires—result in a price too steep to bear?

 

 

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Review

 

I didn’t read the synopsis when I started reading this book (I had before but that was months ago!). What I found when I delved into this book was intrigue, ballet, hardened criminals, light romance, and a belief in God and the mission to share it with others.

I will be honest, I never thought about a Baptist church in Russia. I don’t know why and of course I had to look, and yes you can find a Baptist church in Russia. I love when I learn something new. Anyway, this story follows Gabe who had left his missionary parents in Russia to pursue a life back in the USA. However, when his parents were killed, he came back to wrap things up and discovered that maybe that is where he belonged, continuing what his parent’s started. Gabe is strong in faith but weak at the same time. This is a reflection that we all struggle with our beliefs and hold true to them no matter the situation.

Sofia knew Gabe from their teen years and his parents welcomed her with open arms. She is doing the one thing that she loves the most, ballet, and has become a soloist with the ballet company. As it is with most athletes, they tend to perform even when not 100%, and I could feel Sofia’s pain while dancing on injured ankles and more. It didn’t help that another dancer was out to get her and do whatever she could to take over her role in the ballet company. Then there is her brother…oh my! He is not one I would want to tangle with in a dark alley. He hides his true self from Sofia quite well and I’m surprised no one has told her what he is really like when not around her.

The story is suspenseful as Gabe tries to figure out who killed his parents and why. The pace is consistent but really ramps up near the end as the story is drawing to a conclusion. Gabe has a forgiving heart and a strong faith which he shares with Sofia and encourages her to have a stronger faith in God and Jesus. He shares it by his convictions and scriptures that are a roadmap for what we should do in this life as Christians.

The book has a great cast of supporting characters and each plays an important part in moving the storyline forward and supporting Gabe and Sofia.

We give this book 4 paws up and if you enjoy Christian Romantic Suspense novels then this might be the book you are looking for as your next read.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. Unknown is her debut novel. Above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

 

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Synopsis

 

The past never sleeps.
The truth never dies.

Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubled history of the Big Purple House. When he’s hired to restore the historical mansion, he doesn’t foresee the secrets—secrets that entangle his family in deceit and murder.

Phaedra is selling the house that has been in her family for decades. As her friends-to-lovers relationship with Harlan escalates, she puts her values on the line and chances losing him.

After a stranger comes to town, weaving her web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance connected to the house, dark revelations of the past implode the present. Harlan and Phaedra are thrown on a dangerous path, not only risking love but possibly their lives.

 

 

 

 

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Excerpt

 

As soon as Harlan crossed the threshold, he was sheathed in a gray cloud. His calf muscles tensed with a message to walk away. His head spun. He braced himself on the wall until the dizziness passed. When the room quit spinning, he imagined giving himself over to the mood of his surroundings. His body hummed with sensuality as if teased by sexual temptation. He strolled farther into the room, his breathing shallow and fast. “What the—” A spike of anger knocked out all pleasant sensation. He wanted to lash out. At what? He gripped his tape measure, took two quick breaths, and rolled his shoulders. Find some control. He widened his eyes as if to see more clearly and pivoted in a circle. Four walls. A window looking out on the side of the house. I’m missing something. He rotated in a circle again. Four walls. No closet. His throat constricted.

Dark. Sensual. Hidden desire. Secrets. Fear. I need air.

As if in a fog, he squinted and found the door. In the hall, he inhaled, bent with hands on his knees, and closed his eyes. “Son of a bitch.”

Gradually, his heart rate normalized. He took slow steady breaths. He had no way to decipher the overload of impressions the closet, the stairwell, and now this room gave him. He righted. I have to find out. Whatever happened in this house he felt certain tied him to its past.

****

“Guess who I just ran into?” Phaedra asked him.

“Uh, Jon Bon Jovi? I hear he’s considering opening a winery in Joshua.”

She snorted. “No. Nora the writer.”

“And?”

“You know how you said something seems off about her? I ran into her in the hardware store. So, I engaged her in conversation. She doesn’t know about The Ravine. Who doesn’t know about The Ravine if you’ve done any research on Joshua? And why would a writer come to Joshua if she hadn’t done even preliminary research? She told me she carries books with her. In a case. Doesn’t everyone use the Internet now? Why would she carry actual books with her?”

Harlan rubbed the back of his neck. “She said something about a book her mom had. One chapter on Joshua and mining moguls.”

“And on that little information she takes off for Joshua? Where’s she from?”

“I don’t know if she’s said. Why?”

“No reason. But wouldn’t a writer find out more about an area before just taking off and hoping she gets enough material when she gets there? And she bought tools at the hardware store. What’s she going to do, build a book?”

“Now that you question it, she mentioned driving around to find appropriate houses. But then she also told me about the book her mom had.” He ran a hand through his hair and huffed. “One more mystery connected to this house.” He glanced toward the bedrooms then across the ceiling as if he had X-ray vision and was mapping coordinates.

She shoved at his knee to bring his gaze back. Something bothered him. “What do you mean, Harlan? What’s wrong?”

“My ‘clear vision’ isn’t exactly working with me on this house.” He gestured quote marks. “A woman with purple eyes shows up asking questions. Purple eyes. Purple house.” He rubbed the back of his neck again. “The original owner’s maiden name is the same as my mother’s middle name. And one of the bedrooms doesn’t have a closet.”

She scooted closer and ran fingers along his arm, registering the nice biceps. Tense. “Hey, don’t get so distressed. You’ll do a great job even if the house isn’t disclosing its secrets.”

He canted toward her, slipping the arm she touched around her waist. “Thanks.”

Although not exactly a hug, his gesture caused a ripple across her breasts. She took a short breath to maintain her calm. “Maybe they didn’t put a closet in that room, and your mom’s middle name, although unusual, could be a coincidence. And you must be worrying about the house too much, because Miss Round-butt Writer—”

“Round-butt writer?” With a deep-throated chuckle, he hugged her.

“Yes, she has blue eyes, and if you’re seeing purple—”

“I’m not color blind.” He trailed a finger down the side of her face. A teasing smile tipped the corner of his lips. “Her eyes are purple.”

“Whatever.” She poked his arm the same way she’d done a million times when they were kids. “Yeah, well, I’m sure you noticed—”

His mouth covered hers as he looped his other arm around her.

 

 

About the Author

 

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

 

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TRACE OF DOUBT

 

BY DIANN MILLS

 

 

Categories: Romantic Suspense / Christian Fiction / FBI Crime Solving Novel / Clean Romance

Publisher: Tyndale House

Pub Date: September 7, 2021

Pages: 432 pages

 

 

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Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.

FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.

But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.

 

 

 

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Praise

 

“Filled with high stakes, high emotion, and high intrigue.” – LYNN H. BLACKBURN, award-winning author of UNKNOWN THREAT and ONE FINAL BREATH

“Trace of Doubt is a suspense reader’s best friend. From page one until the end, the action is intense and the storyline keeps you guessing.” – EVA MARIE EVERSON, bestselling author of FIVE BRIDES and DUST

“DiAnn Mills serves up a perfect blend of action, grit, and heart. . . Trace of Doubt takes romantic suspense to a whole new level.” – JAMES R. HANNIBAL, award-winning author of THE PARIS BETRAYAL

“Well-researched . . . with some surprising twists along the way. In Trace of Doubt, Mills weaves together a tale of faith, intrigue, and suspense that her fans are sure to enjoy.” – STEVEN JAMES, award-winning author of SYNAPSE and EVERY WICKED MAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to Open a Bakery in Texas?

 

Guest Post by DiAnn Mills

 

 

Research draws me into a world of wanting more and more information. That’s what happened when I dug deeper into how to open a bakery in Texas. I love to bake, so the curious gene combined with the story idea kept me searching . . .

 

What does it cost to open a bakery in Texas?

 

1. A food manufacturer license. That can cost from a few hundred dollars up to $2,000.
2. Chose the type of operation: sole proprietor, partnership (hopefully someone who can bake and have solid business sense, or a corporation.
3. Insurance!
4. Certifications!
5. Secure a building. I learned that in Texas, there are specific guidelines/laws for a bakery. Even a separate room to change clothes. The reason is at least two-fold. So workers don’t bring home flour and sugar on their clothes, and unwanted dirt and germs remain outside the bakery. The cost depends on the location. It might mean a loan or a dive into savings.
6. Purchase or lease equipment and supplies. The size of the bakery dictates how much is required and the related cost.
7. Be prepared for unplanned visits from the health department, fire marshal, and anything else I missed.

 

*A home bakery is permissible in Texas, but the owner faces a few restrictions.

 

What mistakes can send a bakery into the red?

 

1. Not having plenty of money in the bank for unforeseen expenses.
2. Not having good business sense when it comes to a budget.
3. Not knowing where to purchase supplies wholesale.
4. Not knowing how to market and promote.
5. Absolutely no skills in how to bake.

 

Is there money to be made in a bakery, or will I simply get fat?

 

If the bakery owner steers away from the mistakes listed above and follows a good business model, a profit can be earned. But, even if the bakery is an overnight success, the owner might still get fat.

 

Do I need original recipes?

 

Nope. A bakery owner can purchase from other resources or use mixes.

If baking is not your forte, research ways on becoming an expert (or semi-expert). Local and online culinary schools can guide you through the process.

 

Conclusion: I’m sticking to my kitchen when the baking muse hits me. That way I can bake all the chocolate chip cookies, pies, cakes, scones, and loaves of bread on my own terms.

 

 

 

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. 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.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

 

 

 Website ║ Facebook ║ Twitter ║ Blog

 

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FOUR WINNERS

 Each winner receives a $25 e-gift card of winner’s choice to either Amazon or B&N.

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 9/3/2021)

 

 

 

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily.

 Or, visit the blogs directly:

 

 

8/24/21	Guest Post	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
8/24/21	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
8/25/21	Review	The Book’s Delight
8/25/21	Top 7 List	The Plain-Spoken Pen
8/25/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
8/26/21	Guest Post	Jennifer Silverwood
8/27/21	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
8/27/21	Playlist	The Clueless Gent
8/28/21	Review	It’s Not All Gravy
8/29/21	Guest Post	All the Ups and Downs
8/30/21	Top 10 List	Reading by Moonlight
8/31/21	Guest Post	StoreyBook Reviews
8/31/21	Review	KayBee’s Bookshelf
9/1/21	Review	The Page Unbound
9/1/21	Top 5 List	Chapter Break Book Blog
9/2/21	Review	Forgotten Winds
9/2/21	Review	Bibliotica

 

 

 

 

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Synopsis

 

A former gun for hire and a federal agent find themselves on the right side of love but the wrong end of a bullet in this Richter installment from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

On a fateful night in Las Vegas, FBI agent Leo Grant is working on a critical detail in a high-profile child prostitution trial when a beautiful woman jumps into the path of a bullet meant for him. Little does Leo know that the woman is Olivia, an ex-assassin who is seeking redemption one good deed at a time.

One minute, Olivia is lunging in front of Leo on the Vegas Strip. The next, she’s waking up in the hospital in a haze of pain with no memory of her past, her enemies, or even her own name.

With Olivia suffering from memory loss and completely unaware of the danger she is in, it’s up to Leo and Neil MacBain’s team of operatives to keep her safe. With Olivia and Leo both unaware of her past crimes, the two have little reason to avoid their growing attraction. Slowly her past seeps in through the cracks as she struggles to find the answers of who she is. When the veil is lifted and her dark past is staring her down, Olivia must turn her back on Leo and the love she can never allow herself to have, and race to find her would-be killer.

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Inside the eye of a scope, there is a spot where two lines come together. If that scope is mounted on top of a high-powered rifle and is in the hands of someone who understands the mathematical calculation of how much the projectile will descend before it reaches its target, that spot becomes deadly.

Olivia noted three snipers positioned south, east, and west of the entrance to the courthouse. SWAT…all of them. While she had no doubt they’d do their job well if put to the task, the fact that none of them had noticed her pissed her off.

She positioned a camera behind her scope and snapped photos of the uniformed men.

Once she was satisfied with what she had, she wrapped up her location and moved to the next. It took ten minutes to change her appearance, and ten more to get in position.

The familiar thump of her heart pounded blood up to her brain. The first time she’d ever squeezed the trigger, she’d pictured a video of red blood cells pushing through veins. With each beat, her blood pushed forward and stopped as valves closed off behind them only to be pushed forward again with another beat of her heart.

After pulling the trigger…the imaginary blood in her mind manifested into real puddles on the pavement.

The images he’d put in her head were nothing next to the real thing.

Nothing had prepared her for what followed.

Not one of the classes she’d been forced to take at Richter equipped her for what she needed to survive.

And yet here she was.

Heart still beating.

Soul still bleeding.

 

 

About the Author

 

Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total, she has written thirty-six beloved books that have collectively sold more than 8 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned The Not Quite series, The Weekday Brides series, The Most Likely To series, and The First Wives series.

 

 

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Undercover Wolf

 

by Paige Tyler

 

Publication Date: 5/25/2021

 

Synopsis

 

When these two agents are under fire, they’ll have to reconsider everything they know…

 

Werewolf Harley Grant isn’t exactly comfortable with her inner wolf. Even though she’s on a STAT team where she can use her abilities openly, she refuses to do so, putting herself—and sometimes her teammates—at risk.

Alpha werewolf Sawyer Bishop would give anything for his MI6 team to know about his inner wolf, but his teammates are mistrustful of anyone or anything with inhuman abilities. When he meets Harley on an overlapping case and realizes she’s a fellow wolf, he’s more than a little intrigued.

Now that STAT and MI6 have to team up to stop a crew of supernatural bad guys intent on causing a nuclear meltdown, Harley can no longer deny her wolf and Sawyer can no longer hide his. As they grow closer to resolving the case and grow closer to each other, they discover things aren’t what they seem and revenge could cost them their lives.

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Harley caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of her eye that made her snap her head around, but she didn’t see anyone. Sure she’d seen something, she skirted the outside of the dance floor in that direction. She was starting to question herself again when she spotted a tall, attractive guy with broad shoulders, casually disheveled brown hair, and scruff on his square jaw. He was circling the dancers on the floor in much the same way Harley was but in the opposite direction, keeping pace with her so they stayed exactly opposite each other.

Yeah, like that’s a coincidence.

A little voice in the back of her head told her to get on the radio and call Caleb and the rest of her teammates, but she ignored it, too mesmerized by the handsome man across the room from her. Every few seconds, piercing blue eyes locked with hers, making something inside her—maybe her inner wolf—feel a sensation she didn’t recognize.

Even if she hadn’t picked up on the scent, Harley would have known he was a werewolf from the graceful, animalistic way he moved.

He was a predator, no doubt about it.

Was he a kidnapper as well?

She wanted to say he’d never do anything like that, which was an asinine thing to consider about a man she’d never met.

Tired of stalking in circles, Harley stopped, turning carefully to keep her eyes on the big werewolf as he moved closer. She wasn’t sure, but for a brief moment, she thought she caught sight of what might have been a smile tugging at his sensuous mouth. The other werewolf—an alpha most definitely—strode past the last few people separating them and came to a halt a few feet away. Harley couldn’t ignore that the man in front of her was possibly the most gorgeous guy she’d ever seen.

Which pretty much guaranteed he was one of the bad guys.

Because that was how her luck worked out when it came to the  opposite sex.

Harley took a single step forward and felt a tingle in her stomach
when he did the same, that dangerous smile showing up again. She took another few steps toward him when his head whipped to the side. She looked that way, too, trying to see what had attracted his attention, and caught sight of two men slipping behind a black velvet curtain covering a section of the far wall. The second guy cast a furtive glance over his shoulder before disappearing.

That isn’t suspicious at all.

She turned back to the alpha werewolf, but he was already striding in that direction. She quickly followed, knowing she should call the rest of the team, but once again, her instincts insisted she hold off. By the time she slipped behind the curtain, all she saw was another set of stairs. The mysterious werewolf was nowhere to be found.

She paused long enough to slide a hand under her dress and pull the small frame Glock 9mm from the tiny holster strapped to her upper thigh, chambering a round as she started down the steps, rather proud of how comfortably she handled a loaded weapon. Considering that before joining STAT she’d never even held a gun, she thought she was doing rather well.

From down below, she heard the rhythmic sound of rapid footsteps along with the soft murmur of voices but no music or partying people or anything else to make her think this was a part of the dance club open to the public. Whatever the hell those two guys had come down here for, it probably wasn’t on the up-and-up.

Lit only by three low-watt bulbs mounted in cobweb-covered fixtures hanging from the rough stone ceiling, the room at the bottom of the steps was filled with crates, racks of empty bottles, and bags of trash. The dim glow was barely enough to throw shadows, but Harley didn’t need a lot of light to see the werewolf standing a few feet away, his broad back to her, a pistol down at his side.

“You always bring a gun when you go to a nightclub?” he asked without looking at her.

His voice was as deep as she’d imagined it would be, a little rough with a hint of a British accent, like he’d traveled extensively for much of his life and lost a bit of the distinctive sound over time.

“A girl has to be careful these days,” Harley said, smiling even though she was standing in the middle of a filthy storage room twenty feet underground with an alpha werewolf who’d probably lured her down here with kidnapping in mind—or worse. “I’ve heard big cities can be dangerous.”

The man turned to look at her, blue eyes piercing even in the dimness as they slid up and down her body. “If you think it might be dangerous, why come to Paris? And all the way from America, if I’m not mistaking the accent.”

The Brit’s perfectly sculpted nose lifted a little, his nostrils flaring the slightest bit, like he was trying to take in a scent he found tantalizing. Harley knew he was picking up her pheromones and couldn’t help wondering what she smelled like to him.

Did he like her scent?

Did she care if he did?

“You know the song ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun,’ right?” She approached him slowly, glancing around and trying to figure out where the other two men had gone. “Maybe visiting potentially dangerous places is how I have fun.”

“Strange hobby,” he said, his voice dropping down an octave to practically make her tummy vibrate…as well as regions a bit farther south. “I prefer reading, but whatever. You do you.”

Harley lifted a brow, lowering her gun to a safe position. “Is that what you’re doing down in this dank, dark room?” She stepped to the side a little, making him circle to the right as they resumed the little dance they’d done upstairs. “Looking for a good book?”

He snorted, coming to a stop again a few feet away. “We both know that’s not what I’m doing down here any more than you’re here looking for some fun. So, as entertaining as this banter is, I think it’s time we get on with what really brought us here.”

Harley was almost disappointed but knew the man was right. While she’d enjoyed their verbal jousting, she was here for more important things.

 

***

Excerpted from Undercover Wolf by Paige Tyler. © 2021 by Paige Tyler. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

About the Author

 

Paige Tyler is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, romantic fiction. Paige writes books about hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines they fall in love with. She lives with her very own military hero (a.k.a. her husband) and their adorable dog on the beautiful Florida coast.

 

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Giveaway

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Synopsis

 

Lady Annabelle Trask is missing. Unfortunately, MISix doesn’t know if they’re looking for a woman, a cow, or something in between!

Is it real or is it fantasy? That’s the question MISix Agent Mathilda Honoria Spencer struggles with on her latest assignment. Tasked with discovering the whereabouts of Lady Annabelle Trask, Tillie is thrust into the world of Hucows and other human animals. It’s a world that raises serious questions about sexual fetishes, intentional physical enhancements, and even pornography, but in the end, Tillie has only one mission—to rescue and return Lady Annabelle to the Queen. However, as she and her partner, Agent Abdul Ali, attempt to find Lady Annabelle and keep her out of the clutches of terrorists bent on destroying the monarchy, they must also wrestle with their feelings for each other. Can they draw the line between their duty to the Crown and their relationship with one another? Or must they embark on separate paths to continue to serve the Queen?

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Harun stood and hugged his brother. Then he turned to Tillie. His gaze was steady, but his eyes were cold. “Forgive me if I cannot give you a similarly warm welcome, but my wife and I have not yet recovered from the brutal attack on our daughter.”

“Harun.” Marianne Benson spoke softly, but her gaze was fierce. “I believe Hope and the Agency have settled the matter. You don’t need to pursue it further.” She turned to Abdul and smiled. “I am pleased to see you, Abdul.” She cocked an eyebrow. “Though for a while there, the rumor was that you had gone rogue and were dancing with the devil.”

Abdul laughed. “I may dance with the devil occasionally, but that does not mean he owns my soul. I am still slaving away for the Queen.” He smiled at Mari. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Well, it’s hard to ignore a summons from the Queen, and when your husband has a plane, it is much easier to respond quickly.” Mari motioned to the chairs at the table. “Please sit. Let’s get down to business. It was made clear that time was of the essence.”

Everyone sat, and Mari walked over to a control panel set into a console. She pushed a button, and a whiteboard lit up. “As you know, after we rescued the people off Flight Eight Seven Zero and The Mars were prosecuted, Dianna and Anders interviewed them extensively at Guantanamo Bay. We were able to collect a considerable amount of information on the organization, its members, and its financing.”

Twelve photos appeared on the screen. “These are the current members of Marwolaeth I’r Frenhines. Six are incarcerated at Guantanamo, three have been released, and three are recruits.”

Tillie leaned forward and studied the faces. It always amazed her how normal terrorists appeared. There was nothing in their faces to indicate that they were evil. Most were smiling in their photos. However, the tell was in the eyes. They were stone cold.

Mari pointed at the photos of those recently released. “These three have been fairly quiet. We could not detect any significant communication or contact between them and the new members, which makes me think this may be a new group that merely adopted the name.” She brought up a few more photos. “These gentlemen are believed to be the financiers of the new order.”

Tillie studied the group and gasped. “But that’s a former member of Parliament.”

Harun nodded. “And someone who wishes to dissolve the Monarchy. Apparently, he has put his money where his mouth is.” Another screen popped up. A bank statement.

Abdul cleared his throat. “Fifty million pounds? That’s pretty significant. Has this been verified?”

Harun gazed at Abdul. “I’m afraid so. We have transfers to the account, bank acknowledgments, and proof the newest members of The Mars have been drawing on these funds.”

Mari pulled up another screen. “Though we were a little puzzled by their purchases until now. We thought they had gone into farming.” She pointed at an invoice. “Everything you need to raise a cow, or in this case, a human cow.”

Tillie hugged herself and shuddered. “Lady Annabelle is most certainly in their sights.”

Mari gazed at her husband and nodded. Harun opened a file he had set in front of him. “Apparently, it is much worse. There were also several purchases for the care of an infant. Either Lady Annabelle is pregnant, or they intend to impregnate her.”

Abdul slammed his fist on the table. “Bloody hell. A royal baby? The Queen would move heaven and earth to protect her own blood. What a crafty way to manipulate her for their own purposes. She would be damned no matter how she responded. That could end the monarchy.”

Tillie stood. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Award-winning author Seelie Kay writes about lawyers in love, sometimes with a dash of kink.

Writing under a nom de plume, the former lawyer and journalist draws her stories from more than 30 years in the legal world. Seelie’s wicked pen has resulted in nineteen works of fiction, including the new paranormal romance series Donovan Trait, as well the erotic romance Kinky Briefs series and The Feisty Lawyers romantic suspense series. She also authored The Last Christmas, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The President’s Daughter, Seizing Hope, The White House Wedding, and participated in the romance anthology Pieces of Us.

When not spinning romantic tales, Seelie ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. Currently, she resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, WI, where she enjoys opera, the Green Bay Packers, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.

Seelie is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!

 

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Synopsis

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the steamy first novel in her new adrenaline-fueled Richter series.

As an employee of MacBain Security and Solutions, Claire Kelly can certainly hold her own. Armed with an impressive set of covert skills, she’s more than prepared to tackle any job that comes her way…except one involving Cooper Lockman.

Cooper and Claire used to work together before his feelings for her sent him packing to Europe for six long years. But now he’s back and determined to ignore the still-smoldering heat that lingers between them.

Their current mission: go undercover together at a California high school to root out the mastermind behind a prostitution ring targeting young girls. The closer they get to the truth and the closer they get to each other, however, the deadlier their task becomes. As Claire and Cooper risk their lives to bring down their target, will their hearts be the final casualties?

 

 

 

Review

 

This is the first in a new series but the backstory for many characters can be found in other books/series. There is enough information to fill in most of the holes other than what Cooper was doing in Europe before coming back to the US, other than staying away from Claire.

This book hits on a sensitive topic, human trafficking and selling young women (primarily) as sex slaves to others. I appreciated the light that was shed on this topic and what happens to these young people when they don’t think they have anywhere else to turn especially if their home life isn’t supportive.

Claire is 24 in this book but apparently looks younger for her age, enough so to go undercover and pose as a high school senior. There is a reference to the 80s show, 21 Jump Street, and that is what I thought of as I read this book. Claire is one tough young woman and we get some of her backstory about her life at a boarding school in Germany, her fluency in 6 languages, her speed on the track, and her attraction to Cooper.

Cooper and Claire have a past that is rekindled in this book. Enough time has passed since they were last on the same continent that she has matured past her 18 years and has had time to grow and experience life. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold, although there are times where it almost got them in trouble and might have revealed their true identities. There is a little bit of steam later in the book but it isn’t over the top and adds just the right amount of romance to the story.

This team has been called into two high schools in the area at the request of the police but only the captain is aware of their infiltration into the school. He believes he might have some dirty cops involved and needs them flushed out. There are several possibilities and I wasn’t quite sure who to suspect of being involved in the trafficking. I started to suspect one character and was glad to be proven wrong. The tension mounts as the book progresses and clues are uncovered about the perpetrators. The team, outside of Claire and Cooper, helps round out the story and add dimension to the plot.

I enjoyed this book and give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total, she has written thirty-six beloved books that have collectively sold more than 8 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned The Not Quite series, The Weekday Brides series, The Most Likely To series, and The First Wives series.

 

 

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HER EVERY MOVE

 

By Kelly Irvin

 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pages: 352 pages

Pub Date: February 9^th, 2021

Categories: Christian / Romance / Suspense

 

Scroll for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

He’s a cop trying to stop a serial bomber. And she’ll stop at nothing to clear her own name.

When a deadly bomb goes off during a climate change debate, librarian and event coordinator Jackie Santoro becomes the prime suspect. Her motive, according to Detective Avery Wick: to avenge the suicide of her prominent father, who was accused of crimes by a city councilman attending the event.

Though Avery has doubts about Jackie’s guilt, he can’t exonerate her even after an extremist group takes responsibility for the bombing and continues to attack San Antonio’s treasured public spaces.

As Jackie tries to hold her shattered family together, she has no choice but to proceed with plans for the Caterina Ball, the library system’s biggest annual fundraiser. But she also fears the event provides the perfect opportunity for the bomber to strike again.

Despite their mistrust, Jackie and Avery join forces to unmask the truth—before the death toll mounts even higher.

Bestseller Kelly Irvin is back with a nail-biting romantic suspense where nothing is certain until the very last page.

 

 

 

Thomas Nelson | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Books-A-Million | Christianbook.com

 

 

Praise

 

“A gripping story that will have you on the edge of your seat until ‘The End.’” —Patricia Bradley, author of The Logan Point Series, Memphis Cold Case Novels, Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers series

“Explosive, tender, and races all the way through!” —Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, author, screenwriter, and forensic specialist

 

 

 

 

How has Texas influenced your writing?

 

I’m actually from Kansas, but I moved to Laredo after graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism in 1982. I spent 3 semesters as an exchange student in Costa Rica and I wanted to use my Spanish. Six years of border journalism taught me so much about the history and culture of this region. Another 34 years in San Antonio has made me feel like a Texan. The city, with its history and cultural diversity, is a perfect setting for romantic suspense novels.

 

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

 

I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer. That means I don’t do an outline. That can be very problematic when writing romantic suspense. I know what the crime was, who my heroine is, and sometimes, who did it. But nothing in between. I do a lot of revising. I’ll have an epiphany in the shower and have to change my trajectory. But it’s fun and I love it when characters show up and I’m totally surprised by their presence.

 

Which character from your book is most or least like you?

 

I took great pains to create Jackie Santoro as her own person. She’s a millennial and I’m a boomer. I had to think like her. She eats from food trucks, texts instead of calling, drinks fancy coffee drinks, and does DIY projects. She was a college basketball star, very athletic, and a sports fanatic. We do share a love of books, libraries, and cats.

 

Are you a full-time or part-time writer?  How does that affect your writing?

 

I had to retire from my day job for health reasons five years ago. Now I’m living my dream of being a full-time writer. It allows me to spend my days in my office talking to imaginary people and making up stories with them. When I was in public relations, I arrived at work at 6:30 a.m., wrote until 7:45 a.m., then wrote for an hour at lunch, if I could, and wrote weekends. I had two kids to raise and a husband. It was crazy. Now I’m an empty-nester and free to write everyday.

 

What are some day jobs that you have held?  Have any of them impacted your writing?

 

I was a reporter, which gave me a lot of information about law enforcement. Then I switched to public relations, which is helpful when it comes to promoting my books—an important part of my job as a published novelist. One part-time contract job that turned out to be super helpful was proofreading court transcripts for court reporters. I learned all about autopsies, crime scene investigation, forensic evidence, witness interrogation, and more.

 

What do you like to read in your free time?

 

All the time. I love reading mystery, suspense, and romantic suspense. I read binge-read all of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch mysteries last summer (about 20 of them) and all of J A Jance’s P.J. Beaumont mysteries as well. I love losing myself in a good mystery. And it’s interesting to see how these authors have developed and grown their character as they age over time.

 

What projects are you working on at the present?

 

I just turned in my next romantic suspense novel. It’s entitled Trust Me. The heroine owns a shop in La Villita historic art district in downtown San Antonio. It involves two murders that happened ten years apart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bestseller Kelly Irvin is the author of 28 books, including romantic suspense and Amish romance. Publishers Weekly called Closer Than She Knows “a briskly written thriller.”  The Library Journal said of her novel Tell Her No Lies, “a complex web with enough twists and turns to keep even the savviest romantic suspense readers guessing until the end.” The two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist worked as a newspaper reporter for six years on the Texas-Mexico border. Those experiences fuel her romantic suspense novels set in Texas. A retired public relations professional, Kelly now writes fiction full-time. She lives with her husband professional photographer Tim Irvin in San Antonio. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two ornery cats.

 

 

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—————————————————————–

 

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

 

TWO WINNERS each receive signed copies!

 

(US only. Ends midnight, CDT, 4/3/2021)

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

for direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

or visit the blogs directly:

 

 

3/24/21	Excerpt	The Page Unbound
3/24/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
3/25/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
3/25/21	BONUS Top Ten	Hall Ways Blog
3/26/21	Review	The Clueless Gent
3/27/21	Guest Post	Texas Book Lover
3/28/21	Scrapbook Page	Chapter Break Book Blog
3/29/21	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
3/30/21	Author Interview	StoreyBook Reviews
3/31/21	Review	Jennie Reads
4/1/21	Review	Book Fidelity
4/2/21	Review	Tangled in Text
4/2/21	BONUS Promo	All the Ups and Downs

 

 

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Synopsis

 

Solve the murder or become the next victim…

 

When a ringer for her long-dead love walks into her life the same day skeletal remains are found at the edge of town, Magpie MacKenzie can’t ignore what the universe is telling her…solve the mystery, or become the next victim.

Lawyer Zack Peartree’s life is orderly and entanglement-free until he visits purportedly haunted Joshua, Arizona, and meets free-wheeling shopkeeper Magpie. Despite experiencing troubling visions and odd moments of déjà vu, Zack’s instantly drawn to Magpie and to the unsolved murder which troubles her so.

Using clues from her father’s past and Zack’s déjà vu moments, Magpie and Zack race to solve the mystery, avoid a murderous fate, and to discover their future…together.

 

 

 

Read for free with Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This small town in Arizona is not for the faint of heart especially if you don’t believe in ghosts or mystical traditions.

Magpie has lived in Joshua for many years and dealt with tragedy when she was a teenager, losing her mother and then later her boyfriend. She took on the role of surrogate mother to her siblings since her father was a mess after his wife died. These events shaped her life and here she is 28 years later blindsided by a man that came into town that resembles her missing boyfriend, Mark.

Zac is younger, 28, but has an immediate connection to Magpie that cannot be explained. They have chemistry and he doesn’t seem to mind the age difference. He is pulled into a search for Callie’s killer, Magpie’s father’s girlfriend that was killed when Mark went missing all those years ago. What he doesn’t expect, nor Magpie for that matter, is that they are putting themselves in a dangerous situation that might not end well should the killer decide they know too much.

This book has a lot going for it – interesting characters, a mystery to be solved, an attraction between Magpie and Zac, family drama, and so much more. I enjoyed the back and forth in time and between the characters and their memories of the past and the history of Joshua. I was on the edge of my seat when Magpie finds herself in a sticky situation and wonder if she will be able to survive. There is also the buildup of the relationship between Magpie and Zac as they search for a killer and protect those they love. I especially enjoyed the mystical aspects of the book and how it affected the characters differently.

Since this is the first book in a new series, I wonder if the future books will focus on the other members of the MacKenzie family.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

 

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She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/

 

 

Synopsis

 

Hot ex-military, desperate woman, tight conspiracy…wait for the explosion!

Peyton West is desperate. Her brother-in-law is dead, her sister is in a coma and no one seems interested in finding any answers. With every door slammed in her face, she’s referred to Scott “Blaze” Hamilton and the men from super-secret Galaxy. Conducting meetings on a plane and digging into the underbelly of Tampa politics, she sees a ray of hope…and discovers Blaze lives up to his name in more ways than one. She crosses her fingers that the scorching sex will continue to blaze once the killer is found.

 

A new series debuts from Desiree Holt!

 

The men of Galaxy are your last resort

Watch for Galaxy merchandise

The sky is the limit with Galaxy

 

They are four hot, sexy men, (John “Rocket” Hardin, Matt “ Viper” Roman, Scott “Blaze” Miranda, and Vic “ Eagle”  Bodine), former SEALS, and lifelong friends. They served their country well, and winning billions in the Powerball lottery allows them to continue to serve –creating an agency that takes cases others refuse. Their only office is on their plane. Their skills are limitless. Their missions often the blackest of black ops. Their commitment unequaled. When everything else fails, Galaxy can save you. They play as hard as they work, addicted to no-holds-barred sex, and none of them in the market for a relationship. One by one, however, they will fall for women who can give as good as they get. Get ready, because Galaxy is open for business.

 

 

 

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Review

 

This is the first book by this author that I have read and she does not disappoint especially if you like romantic suspense with some heat!

Peyton West ends up in Tampa when her sister and brother-in-law are run down by a rogue motorist. Little did she know what the reason went much deeper than anyone can imagine. While we are presented with some of the facts from the outset, there are twists that no one could expect and it kept the story interesting. Her sister’s doctor recommends her brother’s investigative team. What he fails to mention is that they are all former SEALS and so you know that means they are going stay involved until the case is resolved. Their office is intriguing. They have a jet that they will take up in the air to ensure that no one is listening to the details of what they are working on at the time. The crazy thing is that these friends won a Powerball lottery of over a billion dollars, so they can pretty much afford whatever they want.

The suspense/mystery portion of the book is to determine who killed Dane and injured Brianne in the auto accident. As I mentioned, we are provided some details but as the story unfolds, more truths come to light. I always hear about people that can uncover the truth and that is what the team at Galaxy does in this scenario. These men have skills that we might only dream of having! But that is what needed to bring forth the truth and not allow those involved to get away with murder. Doesn’t matter how powerful you think you are, the truth always wins.

Scott Hamilton aka Blaze is Peyton’s point of contact and Dr. Nolan Hamilton’s brother. There is something about Peyton that appeals to his baser self and the same could be said for Peyton. There is something about Blaze that triggers a desire within her and the sparks between them could set off a forest fire. Their relationship goes against everything Blaze could ever have expected or wanted, but there is something about Peyton that awakens a desire to protect her and her family. There are some intimate scenes between the two that are very steamy and detailed. The upside is that this is more than just a roll in the hay for both of them and they admit to having feelings for one another.

We give this book 4 paws up. It is a great way to heat up a winter night!

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

USA Today best-selling and award-winning author Desiree Holt writes everything from romantic suspense and contemporary on a variety of heat levels up to erotic, a genre in which she is the oldest living author. She has been referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, and is a winner of the EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice nominee. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.

Desiree loves to hear from readers.

 

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