Title: Going Down Easy
Author: Erin Nicholas
Release Date: August 28, 2018
Publisher: Montlake Romance

Synopsis

As far as flings go, single dad Gabe Trahan is pretty sure that Addison Sloan is his best bet. Once a month, Addison comes to New Orleans and then…It. Is. On. Until Addison returns to New York, it’s just hot, happily-no-strings-attached sex. And beignets. And jazz. But lately for Gabe, it isn’t nearly enough.

Sure, maybe Addison’s gotten a bit hooked on Gabe. After all, who can resist a guy who’s so sexy, so charming, and so…available? But maybe he’s too available for her right now. Addison’s just moved to New Orleans, and relationships are definitely off the table. Besides, guys always bail when they learn her secret: she’s a single mom.

Only Gabe’s not running. Worse, he’s thrilled. But Addison never signed up for ever-after romance, and Gabe won’t settle for anything less. Now it’s a battle of wills—and when it comes to the woman he’s falling for, Gabe isn’t above playing a little dirty.

 

Wooing a Woman: New Orleans Edition with Erin Nicholas

My newest book, Going Down Easy, is a hot, contemporary romance set in one of the sexiest cities in the country: New Orleans. I’ve loved New Orleans since my first visit there in 2011 and have been back multiple times. I fall more in love with the place every time I’m there. There’s just something about the city that I can’t explain but that keeps me coming back. The music, the history, the laid-back attitude, the food…there’s just so much to love. So finally, the right characters and stories came along and it was time to write a series set there. Here’s a little bit about my characters and book…

Gabe Trahan: dirty-talking, charming, and a little bit sweet bar owner in the French Quarter. Has lots of friends and close to his family. Has a slow, sexy drawl, panty-melting grin. And a son, Cooper, who is five years old.

Addison Sloan: restoration architect who comes to New Orleans from New York City once a month to consult on a new project with a local firm. Confident, independent (very), smart, sassy. Loves dirty-talk in a slow Louisiana drawl. And jazz. And beignets. And pralines. And pretty much anything related to New Orleans. She’s also a single mom to five-year-old Stella.

How they meet: Addison comes into Gabe’s bar with a friend. The chemistry is immediate. And Addison’s love for New Orleans is obvious. Even the mention of beignets makes her eyes sparkle, she melts when she hears jazz, she loves the café au lait, the horse-drawn carriages—just everything. Gabe’s never been much of a romantic, but suddenly he wants to get that sexy, sweet look on her face as often as possible. (You can actually read all about this in “Easy Going”, the prequel novella! Check out Goodreads to find it 🙂

So whenever Addison is in town they go to jazz clubs, eat all the traditional New Orleans dishes—gumbo, crawfish, pralines—and they take in everything about the city. And Addison gives him a new appreciation for his home town. Though, their favorite place is definitely the balcony on the apartment above Gabe’s bar. For lots of reasons 😉 (Did I mention the prequel novella? “Easy Going”. Goodreads).

Then, everything changes. Addison is moving to New Orleans to take a permanent job with the firm…and she has no time or energy or interest in a full-blown, all-the-time, same-city relationship.

But Gabe’s not giving up.

He has every intention of using Addison’s weakness for New Orleans and the south “against” her in a huge play for her heart. So how does he do it? Read on for hero Gabe Trahan’s Seven EASY(ish) Steps To Woo A Woman in New Orleans:

Step #1

Start off with reminding her of the sweet stuff about being with you in New Orleans. Send a basket of pralines and Magnolias. Be romantic. Do not mention dirty stuff on the card. Probably.

Step #2

Turn up the heat. Send her some beignets and an extra bag of powdered sugar to remind her of the night on your balcony where lots of other things ended up with sugar on them. Maybe mention the dirty stuff on the card now. Or again.

Step #3

Invite her on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Quarter. Make it impossible for her to say no by sending the invite with a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 and tell her that there’s going to be a parade at the end. She can’t resist a parade.

Step #4

Have your mutual friends suggest a night out on the town to her and then surprise her by joining them at Preservation Hall for the jazz show. Make sure you show up just before it starts. There’s no way she’ll yell at you when she can be listening to jazz. She’ll very likely let you stand really close and wrap your arms around her like you’ve done all the other times she’s heard a jazz trumpet. You can say some dirty things in her ear here. For sure.

Step #5

A few days later, send her a book about alligators. Make sure it’s something her five-year-old daughter will be interested in. A coloring book with alligator trivia would be perfect. Insert a brochure for a swamp boat tour in the book. Text her the next day and suggest you all go on the swamp boat tour together.

Step #6

After a day in the sun on the bayou with your kids, invite her to a masquerade ball. Be sure to mention it’s at a plantation. And that she gets to wear a ball gown. And a mask, of course. And that there will be mint juleps. She’ll be putty in your hands. This is your chance to do a few dirty things.

Step #7

In the end, even if some of the other stuff has failed, use the Ace up your sleeve. Show up on her doorstep with a pot of your grandma’s gumbo and tell her that you’re madly in love with her and that if she’ll let you in, she’ll be able to have that gumbo regularly for the rest of her life. No one can say no to grandma’s gumbo.

Excerpt

Gabe had sent her flowers.

Addison stood staring at the gigantic bouquet of white flowers sitting on the desk she was using for the day.

“These are magnolias, right?” she asked Elena.

“They are. The state flower of Louisiana.” Elena stroked the petal of one of the gorgeous flowers. “Someone knows your weakness for all things New Orleans.”

He definitely did. Addison hadn’t even needed to read the card to know who the flowers were from. Gabe knew she was a sucker for anything that was traditionally associated with the city. Beignets, bourbon, masks, beads, gas lanterns, and balconies with looping wrought iron railings. For six months he’d been taking her out on the Sunday she was in town and letting her soak up the city. And now she’d gone from associating those things with New Orleans and the unique spirit of the city to associating them with him.

But why was he sending her flowers? That was new. So far, their routine was she showed up at the bar on Saturday night, they spent the weekend together, she left on Monday morning, and then thirty days later, they repeated it all over again. There was no contact in between times. No texts or calls—they didn’t have each other’s number. No letters or gifts—he didn’t have her address. And definitely no flowers.

“See you soon, Gabe,” Elena read from the card. She lifted her eyes, meeting Addison’s. “Gabe? Who’s Gabe?” Then her eyes widened. “Wait. These aren’t from Gabe Trahan, are they?”

Oh, crap. Addison took a deep breath, thought briefly about lying, and then realized there was no real reason to not tell her friend the truth. “Yes.”

Elena’s eyes widened, almost as if she hadn’t expected that answer. “Really? You’ve seen him since that first night?”

Addison rounded the desk and set the folder she was carrying on top of the nearest stack, straightening the pile of already straight files. “Yes,” she said simply. The fewer details she offered, the better, probably.

“When?” Elena asked. “I had no idea you’d seen him again.”

And then it hit Addison . . . Elena wasn’t just her friend anymore. She was Addison’s boss. Was this going to reflect badly on her? Was a just-when-she-was-in-town affair something Elena would frown upon?

“I didn’t think it was important to mention. We just . . . went out a couple of times.” They had. They’d gone out to Preservation Hall for jazz. They’d gone to Café du Monde for coffee and beignets. They’d gone to the French Market. They’d gone to Gabe’s bedroom. And his shower. And his kitchen table. And his balcony . . .

“You’re dating Gabe Trahan?” Elena asked, planting her hands on her hips.

“No,” Addison said quickly. “Not dating. We’ve had . . . drinks when I’ve been in town.” And many, many orgasms. And laughs. And fun.

“Which time?” Elena asked.

“Which time what?”

“Which time that you were in town did you have drinks?”

Addison sighed. “Each time.”

“You’ve seen him every time you’ve been in town since you met him?” Elena asked, clearly shocked.

“Yes. But,” Addison added before Elena could go on, “it’s nothing serious. It’s been . . . a fling. Just a little fun. No big deal. And”—she took a deep breath—“this weekend was the last time. Now that I’ve moved here, I won’t be seeing him anymore.”

Saying it out loud made her heart clench even harder than it had when she’d driven away from him that morning.

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.

Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

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Giveaway

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Synopsis

From USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer, comes Second Chance at Two Love Lane, a fast-paced tale about the intoxicating effects of fame and what happens when a past romance is rekindled behind the silver screen.

Sometimes love is waiting in the second act…

In her professional career, Ella Mancini plays matchmaker at Two Love Lane but, in her personal life, she takes the stage at the Dock Street Theatre. Now she has a chance at a new role in a Hollywood movie that happens to be filming in Charleston—one that features a big-name actress, Samantha Drake. Long ago, Ella passed up a major audition while awaiting a marriage proposal. Not only didn’t she get the role; she never got the ring, either. Instead, her boyfriend Hank went on to become a huge film star…leaving her, and all her dreams, behind.

But now Hank’s back in Charleston, cast as the male lead in the same movie Ella’s in. In spite of the dramatic tension off-screen, he and Ella try to stay cool onset. But when their old feelings start to heat up—at the same time leading-lady Samantha tries to play cupid—all bets are off. How can Hank convince Ella, after all this time, that she’s the one he really wants to be with in real life—and that some happy, rom-com endings really can come true?

Available August 28th

Review

I’ve read several books lately that are set in the low country and in this case Charleston.

I enjoyed the characters, especially some of the minor characters such as Pammy and Miss Thing. I think they stole the story from the main characters several times. Hank and Ella weren’t as strong as I thought they could be in this story and they dwelt on the past perhaps a bit too much. Of course, Ella seemed to have the right attitude for the week they were together, enjoy the time and have no regrets. I was iffy on Samantha Drake’s character – she could see that Hank and Ella belonged together and tried to play matchmaker which is not her strong suit. She gets an A for effort but a C on execution. Best to leave matchmaking to the professionals like Ella!

There is a minor storyline with a matchmaking character, Roberta, that was interesting. She believed she was cursed and while she may or may not have been, it is amazing what the power of suggestion will do to someone. I thought the resolution to her problem was quite interesting!

Then there is Ella’s family – the Mancini’s. They are a hoot and I loved how close this family was to each other. There are some twists to the family and Nonna Sofia, but I thought it added character. I loved the story of how the family came to drive the cars that they drive.  I loved the beginning with the interactions between Ella and her dad and their tradition of going to the theater and then Serendipity on her birthday.  I loved that and wish more parents had some sort of tradition with their children.

I did think that some conversations (internal or external) went on too long and could have been a bit briefer. I wish there had been more description of Charleston because it didn’t seem like there was enough to bring the town to life for me personally.

We give it 3 paws up.  I think this series has a lot going for it and I want to go back and read the first two books in this series.

Synopsis

She’s never had a no-strings fling. He’s never had anything else. But maybe this time will be an exception?

After a year of mourning her fiancé, Alexis Parker has worked hard to rediscover what she wants out of life. Fresh out of the military and back stateside, her brother offers her a marketing job at the Stag Distillery. Ready for a new challenge, Alexis agrees to accompany her new co-worker Jake Cooperon a Stag cross-country promotional tour. He may have an infamous playboy reputation, but Alexis is surprised to find out that there is more to him than meets the eye. And she likes what she sees. . .

Jake promised Alexis’s brother that he’d be an absolute gentleman. Of course, that was before he and Alexis hit the road, and they both agree that what Alexis’s big brother doesn’t know won’t hurt him. The plan: to keep their fling confined to the RV, and everything will go back to normal once they head home. Things progress in ways neither of them could have imagined, and Jake realizes that he and Alexis make a perfect mix. Can he convince her that he’s ready to shake things up and give true love a shot?

Releases August 28th

Review

I love the setting for this series – a distillery in KC that has a room used for weddings et al. Stag Distillery – owned and operated by three guys who were of course single when the series started. The first two books took care of Dean and TJ, now it is Jake’s turn to meet his fate. Of course like most books, the road to true happiness is set with land mines and in this case it is Alex’s memories of her dead fiance that was killed just weeks before their wedding. Sure it has been a year but she is dealing with a lot of emotions and guilt that she is still alive (even though she was no where near the helicopter crash) and living life.

The great thing about this relationship is that it starts off as a friendship over email, text, etc since Alex is in Italy and Jake is in the states. I firmly believe that a good relationship should be based in friendship first because it will get you over the tough times. Now that doesn’t mean that Jake and Alex don’t have issues because they do in spades! She still has her hang up over Nate and Jake has some of his own baggage from his childhood. And then there is Dean, Alex’s brother and Jake’s friend and business partner. Dean is a bit protective of his younger sister which can cause problems if he doesn’t remember that Alex is an adult. Thankfully Charlotte (Dean’s fiancee’) steps in to calm the waters.

I enjoyed the story between Jake and Alex and was surprised at how one sided it appeared. Jake was there for Alex but was Alex there for Jake? Sometimes. BUT Jake wasn’t as open as he could have been about what he was feeling. That’s a guy for you. However, he did open up more especially when he realized he knew what he wanted in life and that was Alex.

There were some great scenes with Nate’s family – he may be gone but they still welcome Alex in their home and their lives because while she wasn’t able to marry Nate, they had a long relationship before his death and they considered her family no matter what.

I also enjoyed the witty comments from Joel, Dean’s father, and his sage advice to Alex.

This is a fun series to read and while you don’t have to read in order it is suggested since the characters are intertwined in the books and it makes more sense than reading them out of order.

We give it 5 paws up

 

About the Author

Nicole McLaughlin wrote her first full length book (6 pages) about the birth of her baby sister, when she was eight years old. She only finished it because her mother bribed her with a Rick Astley cassette tape. Sad, but true. Now her characters are what keep her writing and her subject matter has gotten a little bit deeper and a lot more romantic. She resides in a small town outside of Kansas City with her husband and three sons. When she isn’t writing, she’s a wedding and portrait photographer, loves to cook, and watch historical dramas or documentaries. Nicole is the author of two series with St. Martin’s Press, the Man Enough series (All I Ask) and Whiskey and Weddings (Maybe I Do).

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All the Hidden Sins

Jake Carrington #2
by Marian Lanouette
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: 7/31/2018

Synopsis

When it comes to crime, homicide detective Jake Carrington plays for high stakes . . .

Assigned a missing persons case, Lieutenant Jake Carrington investigates a local Mob boss. The trail goes cold, but the Mafioso isn’t taking any chances, and soon the heat turns up from another quarter. Turns out there’s more than one dangerous suspect . . .

Kyra Russell is drop-dead gorgeous and Jake is only human. But despite their mutual attraction, Jake’s suspicion deepens when he learns about her gambling problem—an addiction that cost her both husband and son. Even more disturbing is Kyra’s day job. She runs a crematorium—and it’s tied to the Mob. Now Jake will have to navigate a firestorm of treachery to get to the truth . . .

Previously published as Burn in Hell

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Excerpt

Where to begin, Kyra mused. She sipped her coffee and ignored the burning sensation in her gut. Her head spun with a dozen answers. “Joe Dillon’s my host at the casino—I’m in debt way over my head—he made me an offer to pay off my debt. It’s a chance for a fresh start,” she said, as she looked deep into Phil’s shadowy eyes. Phil was impossible to read and that bothered her.

She inhaled, and finished her story. Bile choked her.

“Is this out of the norm for you?”

Of course it is. “Yes. He gave me two options. Neither appealed to me, both were out of the question, but I don’t have a choice.” She dropped her head in defeat.

“Then why are you here?”

Her head jerked up. “Excuse me?”

“I asked, why are you here? It’s a simple question.” His voice hardened.

“I told you I have no choice.”

“Who said?”

“I understood I had no choice when Joe presented it to me.”

“We all have choices, Kyra. You can choose one of the options Joe presented to you or walk away and never look back.”

“Without any trouble?”

“I don’t cause trouble for anyone.”

A lie I’m sure. “Okay.”

“I understand you have a son. It must be hard to work full-time and be a parent.” He smiled. Though he tried for benevolent, it missed its mark.

“I don’t want to speak about my son.”

Now she was scared from her head to her toes. It was evident Phil liked fear. Was that how he controlled people?

“Most times I can’t shut a mother up about her children.”

“Trevor doesn’t come into this, understand?”

“Are you threatening me, Kyra?” He smiled without mirth.

“No,” she whispered.

“Good. If I decide to use you, you’ll have no say in anything.

Anything. You got that?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I don’t hurt children. I’m insulted that after spending less than half an hour with me you believe I do.” Anger peppered his words.

“Trevor’s everything to me. I needed…I had to make sure.” Her voice quavered.

“I understand. But you understand, if we move forward, I own you.

Own you, Kyra.”

She lowered her head, sat in silence. Her hands trembled. She paused to gather strength before she replied. “What you mean by ‘own me?’”

“Exactly that. Do you need a dictionary?” He raised his left brow, the corner of his mouth twisted.

“No. I’m under the impression I’m here for a certain function. What other things do you have in mind?” She raised her head, making eye contact again.

“You’re here for a certain thing which might have to occur on more than one occasion. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes.”

“What are your reasons for accepting Joe’s deal?”

She contemplated before answering. “I want my son back, Phil. I’ll do anything to get him back.”

“How did you lose him?”

“Gambling.” The flash of anger burned up her neck as her emotions,  as always, showed on her face. It was times like this she wished she was a brunette.

“I’m sure it was a tough lesson. How did it get out of control?”

“I—” She stopped. I don’t know isn’t acceptable here.

“Well?”

“I let it take control of me. At the time I cared about nothing else.”

She’d never said it aloud. For the first time, she realized the simple truth in her statement. Her heart—awash in shame—had to deal with the fact she hadn’t put Trevor first.

“You didn’t care about your son?” A cruel man. He pushed her buttons.

“From the moment I became pregnant, I loved and cared for my son. I can’t explain it to myself. How can I explain it to you?”

“The answer should be simple. You control your actions. I control mine.”

Cruel, yes. “I’m aware I made the wrong decisions, harmful decisions, decisions I have to live with, Phil, not you.”

“You’re annoyed. Good.”

“Good?”

“Yes, good. Your answers are honest. Your anger is pointed at you, not at anyone else. I like that, because that’s where it belongs.”

His words crushed her. Kyra waited for him to continue his attack against her character. It baffled her when Phil got up and walked to his desk. He pulled out his chair then sat. Next, he opened a drawer. “Join me over here, Kyra.”

The man’s devious. He must be through testing me. She pushed off her chair, went to his desk. For some reason it hit her—that was the longest yard of her life.

“Why are you smiling?”

Startled. “Nothing.”

He tilted his head at her. His scary eyes stared her down.

She exhaled. “I didn’t realize I was smiling, because I don’t want to.”

Studying him, she continued. “I have a habit of playing jokes in my head when I’m under stress. It relaxes me. The walk from the chair to the desk hit me as the longest yard.” She shrugged.

“Do you understand why you’re here tonight?”

“Yes. You’re assessing me, trying to figure out two things. One.” She held up her right hand, extended her index finger, tapping it on her left hand.

“If I’m up for the task. And two, if I’m intelligent enough to understand what I’m committing to.”

“Correct.” He continued to stare.

“What’s your decision?”

He laughed, taking her off guard.

“Why are you laughing?” Hating herself for asking.

“You.”

Pain shot up her arm as she dug her nails into her palm. Fighting for control, she bit back the sarcastic quip on the tip of her tongue. Kyra lifted her head and stared at him. Enough of playing the frail and helpless female—I hate being played. She needed his answer now.

“Your decision?”

“Kyra, let’s make it clear up front. I’m in charge. I’m always in charge. I don’t put up with insolence. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“I give people my answer when I’m ready to give my answer. Understood?”

“Yes.”

He tapped his pen on the desk. Kyra waited, watching it bounce up and down. The man’s a control freak. It’s obvious from the way he’s conducted this interview. She wondered if he realized how much of himself he gave away with his motions. He reminded her of her trustees at the cemetery on one level, the only difference, Phil was a dangerous man.

“I’ve come to a decision. I can’t use you.”

“May I ask why?”

“No.”

She squared her shoulders, stood, held out her hand. He took it. Held it.

“Thank you for your time, Phil.”

“Aren’t you the polite one? I like polite employees.”

Her head snapped up. “Excuse me?” He still held her hand.

“I am going to use you, Kyra, because it gives us both what we need. I needed to see how you’d react when things didn’t go your way.”

“I’m not sure they did.”

He laughed. “Yep, honest.”

Getting down to business, he outlined how the undertaker would show up with a legitimate cremation, and inside that coffin there’d be two bodies, not one. The legal cremation’s paperwork covered both their asses if someone asked any questions. She wasn’t allowed to take notes. She’d memorize the information until she got home. Once there she’d open a file on her computer and passcode for her eyes only. It took Phil an hour to detail everything. She’d be paid the one hundred thousand in large bills.

The first burn had to happen within days or the deal was off. Oh my God, I agreed to dispose of a body for the freaking mob. I’m going to hell for sure.

He seemed surprised that she hadn’t blink when he mentioned that the same fee applied for each body.

“Kyra, you understand this isn’t a one-time deal?”

“I figured it out over dinner with Joe. Once in, there’s no getting out,” she stated.

“This concludes our business for tonight.” He stood.

“Thanks, Phil.” She extended her hand again.

He took it, then seemed to make a personal decision. “Kyra, are you free tomorrow night? I’d like to take you to dinner. It has nothing to do with the deal.”

“I have a dinner date tomorrow night, but I can cancel it. It’s a first date.”

“No, don’t cancel. We’ll make it some other time.”

“I don’t have plans for Saturday night if you want to go then instead of Friday?”

“Yes, Saturday’s fine. I’ll call with the time. I prefer eating around nine. It’s not too late for you, is it?”

“No.”

“I’ll send a car.”

“Where are we going?”

The corner of his lip twitched up at her question. “There are some great restaurants around here.”

“I live in Wilkesbury. Why don’t I drive up here? That way you don’t have to worry about getting me home.”

His eyes twinkled. “Don’t plan on staying the night?”

“No.”

Laughing, he said, “Fair enough.”

All the Deadly Lies

Jake Carrington #1

Synopsis

Homicide detective Jake Carrington takes murder personally…

The victim was bludgeoned, stripped, and left for dead. Shanna Wagner deserves justice—and there’s no better cop than Lieutenant Jake Carrington to find her killer. The brutality of the crime reminds Jake of his sister’s murder seventeen years ago, and the remorseless man responsible, now up for parole.

Then another woman is killed—and Jake goes dangerously close to the edge. He’ll have to face his personal demons and focus his formidable skills if he hopes to stop a vicious murderer from striking again—and hold on to his career, and his life . . .

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About the Author

A self-described tough blonde from Brooklyn, Marian Lanouette grew up as one of 10 children. As far back as she can remember, Marian loved to read. She was especially intrigued by the Daily News crime reports. Tragically, someone she knew was murdered. The killer was never found. Her Jake Carrington thrillers are informed by her admiration for police work, her experience in running a crematorium, and her desire to write books where good prevails, even in the darkest times. Marian lives in New England with her husband.

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Giveaway

$10 Amazon, ebooks of both books

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

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Synopsis

Keep Away from GRAS is a compilation of empirical and anecdotal evidence that leads to one inevitable conclusion: many of the substances we encounter and consume on a daily basis, substances considered “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), may actually have serious consequences for our health and well-being.

As an internal medicine physician, author Marcela Magda Popa, MD, has seen the effect that repeated, low-dose exposure to certain common chemicals and environmental factors has had on her health and on some of her patients, who reported similar complaints. As a patient with autoimmune arthritis—that forced her into early retirement, breast abnormalities, and migraine headaches—she sought to find the environmental contributors to her disorders, and she did.

Investigating the existing information from the specialty literature, Dr. Popa found that GRAS substances may be linked to multiple other disorders, not just the ones she directly experienced. The modern medicine does not routinely take these substances into account, physicians do not usually inquire or point out these possible connections. Therefore, it is quite likely that similar complaints are more widespread but not often reported.

Through research and experimentation, she discovered that supposedly “safe” substances which she encountered daily caused or worsened her symptoms and eliminated them from her routine, much to her benefit. Now, she is sharing this valuable information with other patients so that they too can make the changes they need to live happier, healthier lives.

Excerpt

Keep Away from GRAS: Generally Recognized As Safe

By Marcela Magda Popa M.D.

Introduction

There is a saying that “doctors make the worst patients,” but in my situation, I think it could be modified to “doctors have the most unusual course of their diseases.” Since it’s very likely that I would have developed the autoimmune disorder I’ll be talking about anyway, no matter what profession I had embraced, being a physician turned out to be very useful. It enabled me to understand that my disorder had a very unusual course, as far as symptoms, complications, and lack of response to the available treatment options. It also made me aware of the current limitations of medicine despite all the progress in it. All these helped me cope with my medical condition better and saved me some frustration.

Looking back at my life and considering not just this disease but a multitude of other situations, I don’t think I ever made a better choice than deciding to go to medical school— even if by so doing I fell into the category of making the worst patient. Being a doctor and a patient at the same time helped me notice very unusual things, triggered my attention after an initial dismissal, and made me further explore some substances considered safe—which led to the pages that follow. Growing up and going through medical school training in Romania, thereafter continuing my training in the United States as well as practicing here for many years gave me the opportunity to appreciate some differences between these two worlds, and these differences proved very useful for my observations.

This book is about some chemicals we are exposed to numerous times a day through a multitude of products we routinely use. Based on my experience, they have detrimental health effects in the long run. Some substances may worsen autoimmune arthritis symptoms and possibly other autoimmune diseases; others may play a role in the development of breast abnormalities, diagnosed with increased frequency lately; or worsening the pattern of migraine headaches—thus potentially producing enough morbidity. Eliminating these chemicals as much as possible, although not easy at times, produced a steady improvement of my symptoms, while inadvertent or overlooked exposure triggered worsening symptoms, time and time again.

Avoiding these substances may prove beneficial for many frustrated patients just like me, who may understand the limitations of modern medicine but are disappointed because they cannot live a normal life.

Through my own experience, I figured out these generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances are not necessarily safe, inert, or inactive, and our chronic but constant exposure, even at low doses, can have an as yet unidentified or not fully accepted impact on our health. Although my findings are derived from medical research articles, there doesn’t seem to be a large enough “body of evidence” at the present time for the regulating agencies to ban or reinforce strict limits in the United States as they do in the European Union, Canada, Japan, or Australia. That’s why consumer awareness is of major importance.

Some of the information in this book can be overwhelming and seem difficult to understand or follow. If it makes you feel better, it took me a while too. It is inevitable when we try to figure out a bit about these chemicals in our lives. My intention is not to confuse you but to illustrate how I put together the details about these substances and to support my argument for avoiding them.

First, I thought to share my observations with practicing and research rheumatologists, hoping to get them to see things from my angle and maybe get them interested in pursuing my ideas in medical studies. I knew it was going to be hard for anyone to see things from my point of view, but in reality, it was completely impossible; it felt like I had hit a wall. Some politely replied with the generally accepted fact that the substances I was talking about were considered safe, others said they could not pursue anything based on anecdotal evidence, and many didn’t even bother to answer my e-mails. A reputable medical journal quickly turned down the material I conceived as a medical article, and I realized it was useless to try to send it to other journals—they all have about the same interests regarding what they would publish, and my article wouldn’t fit in anywhere, even if it was following the specific publication’s guidelines. I approached my trusted advisors at Environmental Working Group (EWG), which I thought would be more interested in my point of view because it’s very similar to their line of work, but they seemed equally untouchable and my emails were again ignored

I don’t have either the experience or the means to conduct medical studies myself in order to verify my point. Unfortunately, I made these observations after I stopped practicing because of my condition; therefore, I couldn’t even ask my patients about similar complaints or situations. But being a physician affected by certain conditions made me already the subject of a long-lasting experiment and made me very involved in noticing numerous unusual incidents that happened to me, put questions in my mind, and compelled me to look for answers. Learning about all these factors, I recalled and was able to explain some unusual symptoms of mine and others that patients had reported throughout my years in practice for which I couldn’t find a reasonable explanation at that time. Therefore, I don’t think I’m an isolated case; other patients are probably experiencing similar problems and symptoms, but they don’t report them. Physicians are not trained to fully take into account and inquire about the side effects from these substances, perhaps beyond possible allergic reactions, because they are currently considered “inert” or “inactive” by the regulating authorities and the medical community.

Often, from some friends and family members to whom I expressed some of my concerns, I heard the words “nonsense” or “autosuggestion” linked to my observations, and this didn’t get me upset. On the contrary, it proved to be constructive, because it made me very keen to verify that my correlations were accurate; in some circumstances, I couldn’t see the connection right away, and this made me think I was wrong, but later on (hours, days, weeks, sometimes even months), an unknown or overlooked aspect came to the surface to show me again I was right.

I did remember many of my patients reporting so much frustration while struggling with situations similar to the ones I conquered with my new knowledge. I wanted to let everybody know about my unusual findings and hoped a number of people would experience the benefits I did if they implemented similar measures. The majority of those not affected by anything may laugh at me and think that I developed paranoia or some other sort of insanity, and I’m prepared for this reaction too!

I strongly felt I had something to say, and I wanted my voice to be heard—but how? A blog didn’t seem like a good option because what I have to describe seems so unusual and farfetched that it needs a lot of explaining, more than I could do in a blog page. This is why I decided to write a book, hoping that people who suffer from similar conditions could try my remedies and see if they improve; if that’s the case, they could bring these improvements to the attention of their doctors.

This is the reason I conceived this book. The first three parts are designed for patients while the fourth one, containing more specialized information, targets (hopefully) medical professionals, researchers, and chemists who may be interested in getting to the scientific information quickly rather than reading a longer story. I’m hoping that some specialists or researchers may find my observations to have some validity and may consider pursuing them further, especially if many other patients report improvements in their conditions.

When I first thought about sharing my observations by writing a book, I knew through my personal experience up until now, I was only providing a partial solution, especially for the autoimmune disorders. I wanted to offer a complete one, and I thought I should wait until I could get off the autoimmune arthritis medications. And then, it just so happened that I reread one of my favorite books, which deeply shaped my understanding of kindness: the translated title would be By Giving, Thou Shalt Receive. This book was written by Romanian writer Nicolae Steinhardt, who later in his life became a hermit. One of the ideas expressed in the chapter that bears the same name as the title was to try to give others something you don’t already fully possess. This seemed very strange, and I read the chapter a few times. Finally, I think I understood it: in looking for solutions for yourself, you can find answers that can help others, and sharing those answers, even if partial, like projecting them into a mirror, will bring you back more knowledge and solutions! And that’s very true in what followed. As I was starting to write these pages and share some facts that proved helpful to me, I was going deeper into the topic, and more questions came to my mind, followed by more consistent answers that further proved even more helpful to me. Noticing this, I was more determined to finish this book even before I had the complete improvement answers, because I wanted other affected people to benefit sooner.

There is a lot of information about multiple synthetic ingredients included in everyday products that can have longterm negative consequences for our health, but I didn’t see them blamed for autoimmune conditions or musculoskeletal pain (body aches). Some others are known to be endocrine disruptors, but an accepted association with breast abnormalities or worsening migraine headaches in medical literature is missing. Being a doctor but dealing with each set of problems as a patient, I was able to put two and two together, and after years of accepting “this is the disease course; at present, we don’t fully understand why,” I proved to myself numerous times that by avoiding some components, I made steady improvements.

I had to endure quite a bit of teasing from my family, especially my husband, who has been relentless about poking fun at my discoveries as well as protesting the multiple changes in our house. Be prepared to meet some resistance, which will be even more stubborn if some restrictions you try to implement involve products the other family members enjoy.

No matter how hard we try, in this day and age, we won’t be 100 percent chemical-free. I do realize that before the common products we use or eat reach us, there are many steps that we don’t fully know about, we don’t see, and we can’t influence much either. For as much as we’re aware of, however, I think we should do our due diligence to eliminate the exposure to unhealthy substances the best we can; this would only benefit us.

Although I did implement many changes, I cannot say I removed everything, but all these adjustments still had a great impact and allowed me to see improvements, even if I did not completely eliminate my exposure to the numerous chemicals I have been trying to avoid.

By keeping up with the new information and continuing to read and research relevant literature, I will probably acquire more knowledge even after this publication is completed. This book is not meant to supplant medical treatment. What I implemented and noticed improvements with can’t hurt, but will not replace medical care; therefore, all readers should make health decisions after discussions with their personal physicians or medical specialists. I did the same, and I still do. However, if you notice improvements after implementing the measures I did, please bring this news to the attention of your doctors; maybe some of them will be in research and can verify my hypothesis further, because if my observations apply to more people, they would get more validity. And if some could be proved by medical studies, it would benefit a lot of people.

I hope this book, written by a doctor from a patient’s point of view, will change the way people look at everyday products.

**Excerpted with permission from Marcela Magda Popa M.D.

About the Author

Marcela Magda Popa, MD is a board-certified internal medicine physician.  She graduated in Romania but completed her residency training in the United States.  After 16 years in private practice, her health conditions forced her into early retirement. Once she stopped actively practicing, she was able to research and analyze the suspicions she had formed over the years about GRAS substances. She personally experimented with environmental avoidance and documented her findings for her book. She, her husband, and their fourteen-year-old son currently reside in New Jersey.

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Synopsis

Dating, fashion, and drama: Clementine never has a dull day at the Parsons School of Design.

When Clementine Liu arrives in New York City to study at the Parsons School of Design, she knows that she’s found
her place. It isn’t long before she meets her fashionista soulmate, the loud and charismatic Jake, and Jonathan, a dreamy fashion photographer who turns her world upside down.

Between schoolwork and glitzy fashion shows, Clementine launches a blog, Bonjour Girl, and her wit, originality, and flair quickly catapult the site to cult status. Unfortunately, this comes with a price: Clementine is faced with online abuse and public humiliation. In the midst of all the drama, she finds out that a classmate is not what she seems, and Clementine has to find a way to save both her reputation and Jake’s fashion collection.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this book. The underlying story (or at least what I think is the story) about cyber bullying and chasing your dreams was good. We know that bullying is rampant in our country and this shows how one person fought back. Clementine also had a dream that she followed which is a good message for anyone – if you have a dream or passion, follow it and figure out how to make it work.

What I wasn’t as keen about – all the fashion references. Yes it is a book about the fashion industry so it is to be expected, but this seemed over the top for my personal preferences.

I suspect that Clementine is about 19 or so in this book, but she acted younger at times but perhaps it is a cultural thing? She is supposed to be from France and at times she came off that way but not as much as I would have expected. Jake is a bit over the top and after awhile it became annoying. I did like that Clementine found an ally in an unlikely place and it took some time.

We give this 3 paws up

About the Author

Isabelle Laflèche worked for more than 10 years as an attorney in New York City, Montreal, and Toronto before pursuing her passion for writing. Her debut novel, J’adore New York, is an international bestseller, and her series of J’adore novels are enjoyed by readers worldwide. She has lived in New York and Toronto, and currently lives in Montreal.

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Book Title: Eternity’s Account: Rulers (Book #4)
Authors: Julie Bryson & Catherine Sharpe
Category: YA Fiction, 364 pages
Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy
Publisher: Createspace
Release date: April 1,2018

Synopsis

Patterns. They are the material weaved to make the intricate fabric of the universe. The one guiding the threads is the one teaching the 12 chosen children to recognize the complex design within the fabric of time. Each stitch aligns the essential elements of the story, revealing the intended pattern to be followed. Owr, the master creator, has tucked the invisible into the hem of the visible, allowing the children to peek between the tightly drawn threads to study how the spiritual affects the physical.

​The Eternity’s Account series continues – beyond the creation, the inception of evil, the fall of man, the division of kingdoms, and the fusion of dimensions. As the children tug on the seam of the cosmos, a new set of patterns is exposed. They prepare to witness the next stage in the saga; the rise of the rulers and the effects they will have upon the fate of the universe.

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Trailer

About the Authors

Catherine Sharpe graduated from New Mexico Military Institute, achieved a Master’s degree from California State University Northridge, and earned her doctorate in Language and Culture from the University of Texas Austin and Strassford University. She has three boys and has been married to her husband Larry for over 20 years. They reside in Louisiana.
​
Julie Bryson authored the book “Out of the Ashes: How Autism Changed My Life” after her youngest of three daughters was diagnosed as autistic. She is a cosmetologist and fitness instructor. She has been married to her husband Chris since 1994, and they live next door to Catherine.

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Giveaway

Win all 4 books in the Eternity’s Account series (open to USA only – 1 winner)

(ends Sept 1, 2018)

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The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch

Eugenia and Hugh M. Stewart ’26 Series

by

Bill Sarpalius

foreword by Bill Hobby

  Genre: Memoir / Texana / Politics / Eastern European History

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press

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Date of Publication: April 16, 2018

Number of Pages: 336 pages w/50 B&W photos

As a boy in Houston, Bill Sarpalius, his brothers, and their mother lived an itinerant life. Bill dug food out of trashcans, and he and his brothers moved from one school to the next. They squatted in a vacant home while their mother, affectionately called “Honey,” battled alcoholism and suicidal tendencies. In an act of desperation, she handed her three sons over to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch north of Amarillo.

At the time, Bill was thirteen years old and could not read. Life at Boys Ranch had its own set of harrowing challenges, however. He found himself living in fear of some staff and older boys. He became involved in Future Farmers of America and discovered a talent for public speaking. When he graduated, he had a hundred dollars and no place to go. He worked hard, earned a scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and obtained a college degree. After a brief career as a teacher and in agribusiness, he won a seat in the Texas Senate. Driven by the memory of his suffering mother, he launched the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in an effort to help people struggling with addiction.

Sarpalius later served in the United States Congress. As a Lithuanian American, he took a special interest in that nation’s fight for independence from the Soviet Union. For his efforts, Sarpalius received the highest honor possible to a non-Lithuanian citizen and was named a “Grand Duke.”

The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch is a unique political memoir—the story of a life full of unlikely paths that is at once heartbreaking and inspirational.

Praise

“The autobiography of Bill Sarpalius reads like a 20 -century version of the American dream – equal parts heartbreak and inspiration, culminating in an unlikely political career capped by three terms in the U.S. Congress.” — University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs

“The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch is an inspiring tale of perseverance and personal courage.” — Si Dunn, Lone Star Literary Life

Texas A&M University Press

Amazon    

Foreword from Bill Hobby

This is an American story, but don’t think that it’s just another inspiring story of an aspiring boy making good—it’s so much more.

Bill’s mother was an alcoholic at a time when treatment options were few and far between. Abandoned by her husband and unable to hold a job, she moved her three boys from apartments to vacant houses. At one time, Bill was a delivery boy for the Houston Post, my family newspaper, and what he earned from two paper routes was nearly all that supported the family. Not much later, a Houston judge took charge of a desperate situation and referred the boys to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch when Bill was thirteen.

At Boys Ranch, still a well-respected Panhandle home for boys, it seemed like the solution to every problem at that time was a good beating, but to Bill it was the first stable home he had ever had. It was a tough environment; however, Bill credits Boys Ranch with teaching him the work ethic that made him a success.

But success did not come easily. Bill was determined to go to college and worked several jobs—including one milking cows and feeding hogs at 4:00 a.m.—to pay for a degree in vocational agriculture. He started at Clarendon Junior College and graduated from Texas Tech University. Determined to seize opportunities that came his way, he parlayed a membership in Future Farmers of America into becoming state president of that organization.

And when the chance came to run for the Senate, he ignored the odds against him and worked harder than anyone else to get the votes.

I first met him when he was on the campaign trail, and then, after he was elected, he came to talk to me about committee assignments. He told me that his goal was to create more treatment options for alcohol and mental problems. I put him on the Human Services Committee, and since he was a likely lad and well qualified, I also made him chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee.

Bill remembers that when it came time to pass his first major bill, to raise the drinking age from eighteen to nineteen, he was confronted by Senator “Mad Dog” Mengden, a Houston Republican with a bad temper. Mengden informed him that the bill was his property since he had been in the Senate longer. Bill refused to back down, and the two of them ended up in my office.

Bill remembers that I tossed a coin to determine whose bill came to the floor. The coin rolled behind my desk. What happened from there? Well, you have to read this book!

As a senator, Bill did what good senators do and represented his constituents well. He also took advice from many others. He picked his share of controversial issues, including one that resulted in a death threat, and when he carried a bill, he was well prepared and resourceful.

We did not always agree on all issues, but I respected his hard work, his determination, and his ability to tell a good story.

No surprise then that when a US congressional seat opened, he was ready to campaign for that, and when he won, he headed for Washington, where he served for six years in Congress helping with the breakup of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. For his efforts, the country of Lithuania gave him the highest award they can give a noncitizen and named him their Grand Duke.

Bill is now a successful lobbyist in Washington, DC, and is a highly respected motivational speaker. Most importantly, Bill is my friend.

This is not just another book about politics. It is the inspiring, motivational, compelling story of my friend’s life—and politics happened to be a part of it. You will enjoy Bill’s story. I know it because I know Bill and I know his story. I am proud to say I was a part of it.

 

BILL SARPALIUS represented the Texas 13th Congressional District from 1989 to 1995, and from 1981 to 1989 he served in the Texas State Senate. He currently is a motivational speaker and serves as CEO of Advantage Associates International. He divides his time between Maryland and Houston, Texas.

Website   Instagram    Twitter

Do you live around Amarillo?  Here is your chance to meet Bill and talk to him about his book.

MEET THE AUTHOR! 

BARNES & NOBLE, #2665

2:00 PM on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

2415 Soncy Road, Amarillo, TX 79124

Check out the other blogs on this tour

8/21/18	Notable Quotable	Hall Ways Blog
8/22/18	Review	Missus Gonzo
8/23/18	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
8/24/18	Video Interview	The Clueless Gent
8/25/18	Review	Max Knight
8/26/18	Excerpt	Texas Book Lover
8/27/18	Scrapbook Page	Reading by Moonlight
8/28/18	Review	Forgotten Winds
8/29/18	Author Video	The Love of a Bibliophile
8/30/18	Review	Kelly Well Read

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Title: Shimmy Bang Sparkle
Author: Nicola Rendell
Release Date: August 21, 2018
Publisher: Montlake Romance

Synopsis

All Nick Norton wants is to stay on the straight and narrow…and never get caught stealing again. Then he lays eyes on her: Stella Peretti—100 percent sexy and absolutely irresistible. Especially when he sees her smooth moves lifting a two-karat diamond. Nick realizes he’s found the sparkling woman of his dreams—one so perfect for him it’s almost criminal.

The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs are master jewel thieves who are planning the heist of the century. And Shimmy leader, Stella, isn’t about to let anyone—even if he is a hunky, tatted-up studmuffin—get in her way. But when two of her girls are put out of commission, Stella realizes that Nick isn’t just a red-hot distraction. He might be the answer to her pilfering prayers.

Now, Nick and Stella are putting everything on the line for one last job. But when two thieves have this much chemistry, it’s only a matter of time before somebody’s heart gets stolen.

What Stealing A Diamond and Stealing a Heart Have In Common

with the Heroine from Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell

Hi! My name is Stella Peretti. I am the head of the only all-female jewel heist crew west of the Mississippi. We call ourselves the Shimmy Shimmy Bangs. I got started in this life of crime when I was a girl. I saw something that I knew was unfair and I had to do what was necessary to make it right. I’ve heard that the old hardened cons who learn about us say we are “Robin Hooding” our way around the Southwest. I’m really proud of that!

Nick gets involved in my plan to steal the North Star diamond because of an accidental text that I mistakenly send to him. I know, I know. Dummy! But because my girls are not able to execute the heist with me, Nick offers his expertise. I’m reluctant at first. But he wins me over. He’s competent, persistent… and sexy. God, so sexy!

What have I learned from my experience with Nick? Surprisingly, stealing someone’s heart is a lot like stealing a diamond. Here are five skills that you need for both:

If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It.

I don’t go into a heist or a relationship with my guns blazing. Instead, I give a little bat of my lashes, show a little leg, play up my most feminine qualities. Being a good flirt is a huge advantage in my line of work… and in nabbing Nick Norton, too!

It’s a Confidence Game.

Having confidence in yourself is key to getting what you want, either in a heist or winning a man’s heart.

Play Dirty.

There’s a time for playing by the rules and being a good girl, but it’s no holds barred in love and theft!

Be Careful… But Not Too Careful.

When it comes to heists, I’m a planner. But when it comes down to it, it takes guts to steal a diamond. And it takes guts to fall in love as well. Soemtimes you just have to open your heart and see what happens.

All Or Nothing.

I’ve known a lot of thieves who are doing twenty-to-life for a Zales one karat diamond.. And sure, I’ve stolen my share of engagement rings but only if it’s easy pickings. If you’re going to risk your liberty and your heart, it damn well better be worth it. The North Star is worth it. And so is Nick.

Excerpt

“It’s fun to dream.”

Stella tugged on the diamond ring with her thumb and forefinger to take it off, it didn’t cooperate. She furrowed her eyebrows, and laughed nervously, wiggling it and spinning it. “That’ll teach me to get extra-large fries with my lunch.”

The saleswoman laughed, nodding, and patted her slightly pudgy stomach. “Tell me about it, hon.”

For a few tense seconds, I stared at the ring. She twisted it, and tugged it. She rocked it back and forth. She gave it a yank, but still it didn’t budge. I took her hand in mine and gave it a shot too. But didn’t have any luck either. It was totally stuck.

“This isn’t embarrassing or anything,” said Stella softly as she gave it another try, doing the side-to-side rocking again. “I’m sure this is a first.”

“Oh my gosh, no. Fingers often swell in the afternoons. Lemme go get you some lotion. Be right back,” the saleswoman said, and headed for the back of the store.

Stella sighed hard and grabbed her purse from the floor, hooking it over her shoulder. “Thank you,” she called after the woman as she jingled away. “I really apologize. We’ll be out of here in no time.”

The saleswoman tossed her hand in the air. “Totally OK. Hang on.”

As she walked away though, Stella transformed right before my eyes. It was subtle, but I was watching her so close that it was like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. The sweet-as-pie innocence was replaced with calm and focus. Her posture changed, the way she’d held her lips changed, even her stance changed. She shifted her hair over her shoulder and turned away from me, preventing me from seeing what she was looking for in her bag. I rolled my weight back onto my heels to get a different angle—not enough for her to notice, but enough to see what was going on. With the help of an oval tabletop mirror to my right, I saw exactly what she was up to. From the side pocket of her purse, she produced a little tube of something.

Hand lotion.

She didn’t call out to the saleswoman, but instead lowered her head slightly, allowing her hair to slip off her shoulder. I realized she was not only keeping her hands hidden from me, but also—thanks to her hair—away from the prying eyes of the black-domed security cameras in each corner of the shop. Suddenly, each detail seemed practiced. Strategic.

Damn near . . . professional.

She flipped open the top of the tube and squirted some onto her finger.

And then she did it. If I hadn’t been watching it, I wouldn’t have believed it. Houdini would’ve wept. Copperfield would’ve proposed. Blaine would have asked her to do a Vegas show with him. Once her finger was greased up, she used the thumb of her left hand to slide the diamond off her finger. It fell noiselessly into her bag. She dropped the tube of lotion on top, and the ring disappeared into the depths of her purse. Then, from the interior side pocket of the purse, she produced . . .

The same setting. The same cut. The same size.

The identical engagement ring.

I was floored. But somehow, I managed to play it cool. She didn’t know I’d seen her, and I wasn’t going to blow her cover. Only a creep interrupts a magician in the middle of an act.

The saleswoman tottered back toward us. The fake was on Stella’s finger, and the real ring was nowhere to be seen. “Here you go, hon,” said the woman, holding out a bottle of lotion with the lid already undone. “Smells real good too.” She squirted a glop of the pink liquid on Stella’s finger, making the whole place smell like laundry detergent.

Stella worked some lotion around her ring finger, and slipped off the fake, with a big sigh. “Phew! That was a close one.”

The saleswoman just giggled. “No worries. Happens more than you’d think,” she said, and took the keys from her skirt. Using a jewelry cloth, she cleaned the lotion off the ring until it sparkled again, set it on its spinning velvet platform, and locked up the case.

And there I thought I’d found my bliss already.

“Thanks so much for all your help,” Stella said, and zipped up her purse.

I felt like I was dreaming. Never, in my whole life, had I seen anything so smooth. She seemed sweet, she looked so sexy, and to top it all off, she was utterly badass. I needed to get my hands on her. Now.

About the Author

Bestselling author Nicola Rendell loves writing naughty romantic comedies. After receiving a handful of degrees from a handful of places, she now works as a professor in New England. Nicola’s work has been featured in the Huffington Post and the USA Today blog Happy Ever After. She loves to cook, sew, and play the piano. Her hobbies might make her sound like an old lady, but she’s totally okay with that.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

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Justice Betrayed

A Memphis Cold Case Mystery, #3

by

Patricia Bradley

  Genre: Fiction / Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: June 5, 2018

Number of Pages: 352

Scroll down for Giveaway!

It’s Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide detective Rachel Sloan isn’t sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators—one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken—she’s forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic’s home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend’s killer?

When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?

 

Praise

“The third installment of Bradley’s Memphis Cold Case series focuses on a cold case related to a homicide detective’s past…Bradley includes the unique character of Erin who seems as if she is a real person and takes great care to portray her respectfully.”  —RT Book Reviews

Baker Book House ~ Amazon

Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo

Christianbook.com  ~ Books-A-Million

 

EXCERPT: CHAPTER 1, PART 2

JUSTICE BETRAYED

BY PATRICIA BRADLEY

(used with permission)

 

Click to read the Prologue on the Lone Star Book Blog Tours 8/15 tour stop

Click to read Chapter 1, Part 1 on the Lone Star Book Blog Tours 8/16 stop

1

August 2017

Elvis is in the building, and he wants to see you. 🙂

 

Continued…

Memories scratched at the back of her mind. “And you want me to solve it?” Rachel had enough cases without adding another one, particularly one that delved into her past. “This is a cold case, and I don’t work cold cases.” She started to hand him the photo. “Wait, did you say Harrison Foxx?”

The memory finally surfaced, though it was cloudy. He was her mother’s friend. And somehow her father was involved, but it was all jumbled in her mind. “Why are you bringing this to the police now?”

“I brought it to the attention of the police last year, and they didn’t do anything about it. This week marks seventeen years since he was murdered. It’s time somebody paid for what they did.”

Rachel felt there was more. He held himself too rigid, and when she didn’t comment right away, he shifted in the chair.

“Is that the only reason?”

Vic swallowed and moistened his lips. “I may be in over my head. I think someone broke into my house last night, and my gut says they were looking for information about Harrison’s murder.”

“Why would anyone be looking at your house for information on his murder?”

He hesitated. “You’ll think I’m crazy. My daughter does. For years, I’ve been trying to solve Harrison’s murder, but this last month I really got into it. I’ve been calling around and asking questions of people we knew back then, even followed up and went to see a few of them. I think I asked the wrong person the wrong question.”

Joy. An Elvis impersonator and an amateur sleuth. It was her lucky day. “Are you saying that generally or are you talking about a specific person?”

“I don’t have enough proof to call any names, just the same gut feeling I had seventeen years ago.”

“This break-in. Did you report it?”

He shook his head. “I couldn’t find anything missing.”

Oh boy. This was sounding stranger and stranger. Maybe his daughter was right. Vic obviously believed what he was saying. She doodled on her desk calendar. “So, why bring it to me? We have an excellent Cold Case Unit.”

“They’re the ones I took it to last year, and they said there were a lot of cases ahead of this one and they’d contact me. So far, no one has. I thought the case might be personal to you since he was a friend of your mother.”

She had no recollection of Foxx being murdered, but if it had happened around the time of her mother’s funeral, it was no wonder. Grief and anger had consumed Rachel then. While the grief had lessened over the years, the anger remained hot as ever.

Vic’s intense gaze held hers. The cases already on her workload hung in the back of her mind. Maybe a quick look at the cold case file would provide information that would satisfy him that everything had been done to find Foxx’s killer. Either way, she had to fill out a report, so she took out a notepad and one of the mechanical pencils she liked to use to write her notes. Made erasing easier. “I don’t suppose Vic Vegas is your legal name?”

He grinned and ducked his head, much like she’d seen Elvis do in film clips.

“Actually, it is. I had it legally changed in ’95. It was less confusing.”

O-kay. “Give me your original name for the records.” She wrote “Phillip Grant” on the pad as well as the stage name, then asked for his contact information. After he gave it to her, she tilted her head toward him. “I’ll talk with someone in the Cold Case Unit Monday.” And hope Sgt. Brad Hollister didn’t laugh her out of his office.

“Would you like my files on the murder?” Vic asked.

“Files?”

He nodded, raising his eyebrows. “I typed up everything—the people I’ve talked to in person or on the phone, what I learned, everything—and put the notes into files.”

“You have a list of people you’ve questioned?” That might save time if anything in the cold case files warranted a second look at the case.

He nodded. “I even talked to your dad.”

That was bound to have gone over like a ton of chicken feathers with the Judge. “Why would you talk with my father?”

“He represented Harrison in a legal matter a year or two before Harrison died. And he was there the night of the contest.”

She caught her breath. Vic was right. An image of her dad in the audience flashed in her mind. She’d been surprised that he had attended the charity event because he and her mother had been separated for about a month then. If Vic hadn’t mentioned it, she probably never would have remembered it. To her knowledge, it was the only time he attended anything Elvis. Her dad thought all the hoopla around Elvis Week was ridiculous. Which never sat well with her mom, since she’d been one of Elvis’s biggest fans.

“Do you have the files with you?” Rachel doubted Vic had uncovered anything worthwhile, but the Cold Case Unit might be interested.

“Afraid not,” he said. “Stopping here was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. And I don’t have time to go get them before the competition starts.”

Click to read Chapter 1, Part 3, the conclusion of Chapter One, coming on the Lone Star Book Blog Tours 8/23 tour stop!

 

Patricia Bradley is the award-winning author of Justice Delayed and Justice Buried, as well as the Logan Point series. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She lives in Mississippi.

 

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

8/15/18	Excerpt Part 1	Missus Gonzo
8/15/18	BONUS post	Hall Ways Blog
8/16/18	Excerpt Part 2	Forgotten Winds
8/17/18	Review	Dressed to Read
8/18/18	Author Video	Chapter Break Book Blog
8/19/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
8/20/18	Character Interview	Books in the Garden
8/21/18	Review	The Clueless Gent
8/22/18	Excerpt Part 3	StoreyBook Reviews
8/23/18	Excerpt Part 4	Book Fidelity
8/24/18	Review	That’s What She’s Reading

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