Posts Tagged ‘romantic suspense’

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Her Secret Protector (SOS Agency)
by Bonnie Vanak

 


Her Secret Protector (SOS Agency)
Romantic Suspense
4th in Series
Setting – Florida
Harlequin Romantic Suspense (October 24, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335593802
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335593801
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BQ3R6V3L

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To find her attacker

…he must stay in the shadows.

Assigned to protect sea turtle biologist Peyton Bradley from a dangerous stalker, former SEAL Gray Wallace is determined to save his headstrong charg­e—even if she doesn’t want to be saved. Their attraction is powerful. But damning rumors around the handsome bodyguard’s past get him fired. Only when Peyton is kidnapped and loses her memory does Gray reveal his startling—possibly deadly—secret.

From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.

Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the SOS Agency series:

Book 1: Navy SEAL Seduction
Book 2: Shielded by the Cowboy SEAL
Book 3: Navy SEAL Protector
Book 4: Her Secret Protector

About Bonnie Vanak

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Bonnie Vanak is a multi-published author of paranormal and historical romance novels. After a career in journalism, she became a writer for an international charity, traveling to poor countries like Haiti to write about issues affecting the poor. When the strain of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing books. Bonnie lives in Florida with her husband and rescue dogs.

Author Links: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

Purchase Links:
Barnes and Noble    Amazon Kindle     Amazon Print    Apple     Harper Collins UK     Kobo     Google

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Balancing Entropy organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author M.H. Cali will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card plus a special edition paperback copy of the book (which includes a physical copy of the novel, an exclusive signed and numbered bookplate, an original sketch inside the book by Laurie Ya, the artist who made the cover, and drew the interior illustrations, and assorted merchandise including coasters, stickers, a tote bag, and more) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY). Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Balancing Entropy

by M.H. Cali

 

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

When life catches up with young and brilliant investment banker Lucas Blake in the form of anonymous threats, his existence is exactly what he always wished it could be.

Or is it really?

He can barely remember what his true aspirations looked like a decade ago. All he knows now is that everything he worked so hard to build could crash down in a split second if whoever is blackmailing him decides to act on it.

To make matters more complicated, the team he ends up hiring to silently find the culprit of those menaces includes Raven Collins. A woman Lucas lost touch with, but who he still can’t get out of his head completely even years after having met her.

As the race to keep him out of harm’s ways unfolds, he enters a journey of self-discovery that might very well make him question the core of his life choices.

When greed, power, and old ideals pair together within a perfect storm is it possible to come out of it unscathed?

Can one’s principles thrive in a system that seems to bend even the strongest minded to its will?

Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.

Enjoy this peek inside:

This exchange feels smooth. He’s effortlessly flirting with her.

Maybe Lucas didn’t change a whole lot, after all.

But back in Greece there were a ton of unspoken things between them.

They never talked in depth about their families or their friends. They weren’t together long enough to notice the other’s quirks either.

It was fun and easy. Exactly like they had agreed on.

Now they’re not on vacation. They’re in each other’s real lives with all it entails.

There’s no more carefree sentiment of a fleeting adventure.

No matter where things lead them this time around, she knows he’s Lucas Blake. One of the managing directors of a very important and well-known investment bank.

Similarly, he knows she’s Raven Collins; a lawyer who clearly moved to NYC at some point and who’s working on his case.

There’s no hiding behind inconsequential circumstances because everything would reset the minute they would part ways at the airport.

This is tangible. It could lead them somewhere, or nowhere fast.

She breathes in, deciding to reorient the exchange.

R: What are you doing?

She takes another sip of her rosé.

L: Watching the basketball game with a friend. You?

She shifts her stare at the TV for a second to check the score.

R: Same, but alone.

She watches the game for a beat until she gets a new message.

L: Cheers🍻

A picture of Lucas’ hand raising a bottle of beer in front of a screen where the game is playing is accompanying the text.

She smiles absentmindedly.

She takes a similar picture with her glass of wine, extending her feet on the table to get them in frame before curling her legs under herself, and putting her glass back on the table.

R: Cheers🥂 I’m surprised you don’t have season tickets.

L: I would be too busy to attend most days. You look very cozy. Only missing a cat in your lap.

Raven smiles sadly.

R: I had one. She passed away last year. I miss her presence in my condo every day.

She presses ‘Send’ and then stares at what she just told Lucas.

She never confessed to anyone that she was still feeling the loss of Toast—her white tabby rescue cat.

It somehow felt right to share it with him just now.

L: I’m sorry, Raven. I personally always wanted a dog, but you know how it is when we work long hours…

R: I totally get it. Toast was very independent, so it was easier. She definitely put life into the apartment.

L: Such a great name. Something tells me it has a fun meaning.

She feels oddly thrilled that he is interested in that particular story.

R: It did. First off because of her fur coloring, but mostly due to my annoying toaster at the time.

L: You had an infernal toaster?

R: Yeah. It kept burning toasts. No matter the setting it was on, the bread would come out of it dark as the night. I didn’t take the time to go buy a new one for weeks so when I adopted Toast it was still there.

She sends the message intuitively before typing the rest and gets an instant reply.

L: Let me guess. Your cat was a fan.

She cackles.

R: My cat was the ONLY one who absolutely loved it. She would jump on the counter and wait until it was done so she could eat it. She was a rescue who just got to the shelter the morning I adopted her. I decided to wait a bit before naming her when she got to my apartment, so it was the perfect opportunity to use one of her quirks.

L: You’re amazing. I’m sure Toast lived her best life with you.

She stares at her phone for a moment.

She could honestly chat with him like this for hours.

But he’s with a friend, and she considers that she took enough of his time for now.

R: I’ll let you watch the game with your friend. It was fun conversing with you a little.

L: You can keep texting me. Mark is also spending a lot of time on his phone messaging his newest crush.

She smiles but keeps her resolve.

R: Good night, Lucas

L: Good night, Raven 🙂

She puts her phone next to her, getting lost in the game for an instant.

The last thing she expected was to sense a sure serenity upon casually chatting with Lucas.

It has been a well needed breath of fresh air in her day.

If this short discussion was any indication, working with him should be enjoyable.

About Author M.H. Cali:

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M.H. Cali is my pen name. From as long as I can remember, writing has been my biggest creative outlet. There are tales that take hold in my brain, and I have to write them. Which means that when it happens, I sit down and do just that.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes I build. In my fiction novels, I thrive fleshing out stories that explore multiple themes within. If you ever read any of my works, you’ll notice that I love writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to me quiet moments are just as important—if not more—than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about balance in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It’s my motto.

If I manage to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then I succeeded.

If you ever give my stories a chance, I hope you enjoy!

Master link for all socials, website & more: http://bio.site/MHCali

Website / Goodreads / Amazon / Instagram / Twitter / Bluesky

Link to buy the book on all platforms (ebook or paperback available): https://books2read.com/BalancingEntropy

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

At the Ready

by Sharon Michalove

July 3, 2023 Cover Reveal

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At the Ready by Sharon Michalove

Synopsis:
 

Micki Press agrees to a date with JL Martin when her long-term, seemingly stable relationship with an artist implodes. Now her unfaithful former lover is stalking her, and JL, who is the CEO of WatchDog, Inc. has more than one reason to feel protective. Micki isn’t ready for a new commitment, especially since she’s trying to get promoted at one of the top corporate law firms in Chicago. But her social activist proposal to create a pro bono division in the firm doesn’t go over well with the conservative partners. JL has his own complications with a mother who wants him move back to Vancouver and marry someone French-Canadian, Catholic, and young enough to produce grandchildren. Micki won’t tick any of those boxes. And JL wants to get his deadbeat uncle out of his mother’s house and persuade her to move to Chicago.

Are JL and Micki ready to negotiate the twists and turns or will the challenges make them sing the Chicago blues?

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published by: Coffee and Eclairs Books (self-published) Publication Date: August 2023 ISBN: 978-1-7369187-6-0 Series: Global Security Unlimited, 3

Book Links: Amazon | Book Bub | Goodreads

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Read an excerpt:
Chicago, February 2014
One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.—Benjamin Disraeli
Micki Today’s the day. Best suit. Flawless hair and makeup. Every inch the polished senior associate. No four-inch heels, though. Frederick Lanscombe, managing partner, is a little sensitive about his height and this meeting is the crucial first step in the campaign to be the next partner at Miller, Lanscombe, Baker, Francis, Masters, and Hargrove. The door to the small conference room is wide open, Fred at the head of table, eating a donut. My mentor, Rebecca Masters smiles and gives me a small thumbs up. Tyler Miller nods to acknowledge I’m there. More than there. After a hundred years, this firm is still a boys’ club but I plan to crack into top echelon and become just the second woman to make partner. I fly through the door and end up on hands and knees when Hayden Forbes-Cartwright barrels into me. When I look up, Fred’s donut is poised at his open mouth. Rebecca’s hand is over her mouth. And Tyler laughs. “Great entrance, Micki.” The censure I hear pricks my balloon of confidence. A snigger erupts from Hayden as his big hand reaches down to pull me up. “So sorry, Micki. Couldn’t put the brakes on in time.” Upright, balanced a little precariously on my toothpick heels, my glare has the heat of the Milky Way. Not that Hayden pays any attention. His bogus concern is yet one more layer of deceit. Still, points to him. I’m the klutz and he’s the chivalric hero.“Have a seat, Micki, Hayden.” Fred gives each of us a once over. Dressing well is one of the unspoken rules. Hayden’s navy blue pinstripe is comparable to my silver gray jacket and matching pencil skirt—points even on wardrobe. My phone is in my lap and I pull up my spreadsheet. I’ve kept score since the first time we met. The advantage has seesawed back and forth, but we’re competing for the pinnacle in the stakes race, so I’ll have to up my game. Hayden and I were adversaries from the get-go. We started here, on the same day eight years ago. Me half an hour early. Hayden fifteen minutes late strolling in with his uncle. All my muscles clenched when he looked me over with his trademark devil-may-care smile. “I know you received the memo. With Sonny Philips’ retirement, the firm will promote one associate to partner this year. As the two seniors, you will be the leading candidates.” Hayden stops fiddling with his Chicago Yacht Club tie. “Does that mean other associates might be considered?” “Technically, yes, but in reality you two are the only ones qualified right now. The partners will evaluate you on several criteria besides the competencies you’ve shown in your time here.” He pauses. Hayden rushes into the short silence. “Does every partner get a vote?” “You know they do,” Tyler chides his nephew impatiently. “And are some votes weighted more heavily than others? Like seniority?” “No.” Rebecca’s response is explosive. “Please go on, Fred.” When I glance toward Hayden, he shows no embarrassment, not even a slight flush. We all learn to put on a neutral face. I permit myself a very small smile. Minus five to Hayden. Fred looks at the sheet in front of him, then from Tyler to Rebecca. They nod. “The criteria include enthusiasm, treatment of others, the opinion of your mentor, maintaining personal control, commitment, successful building and protection of your reputation and that of the firm, consistent hard work, always available, constant improvement, and most important— being perceived as trustworthy.” Hayden’s eyes dart like tiny silverfish, his tell when he’s scheming. on how to get the edge. While I put in the long hours and never turn down a request, Hayden skates by, taking credit for the work of junior associates. Boasting about staying late when he disappears in the middle of the day. When your uncle’s name is on the door, you have an extra pass. Tyler Miller will definitely push for Hayden to be the next partner. Fred is still talking and I wrench my attention back to his droning monotone. “Besides the formal evaluation, the other piece will be assisting Rebecca with a high-profile insider trading case. It’s more than usually sensitive because our client is a candidate for a Senate seat. He says he’s been set up. Not necessarily a strong or provable defense. You’ll be combing emails, social media, accounts, and documents to see what evidence you find.” Bucket of nightcrawlers? Come on, Micki, try to show some enthusiasm. Can’t jump up and down. “What a great opportunity for us to show what we’re made of.” Hayden’s wide smile and crackling delivery is phony as a carney barker’s come on. Our managing partner nods his head approvingly. Hayden is his favored candidate too. Fred and Tyler have some kind of mutual admiration society and Hayden benefits. Yeah, he’s a suck up. My turn. Say something but avoid the gush. “This is a amazing challenge. I really appreciate the chance to work on a case so important to the future and reputation of the firm and, potentially beyond, Fred.” Rebecca produces a small smile, so I hope I’ve hit the right note. As we walk out, she stops me. “Micki, I have a lunch appointment, but let’s have a drink after work.” She looks around but doesn’t see anyone in lurking mode. “We haven’t had a good chat for a while.” “Great, Rebecca. Just come by my office when you’re ready to leave.” Then I cancel my date for the evening. Work comes first, always. ***** The Gage is lively at five thirty. After-work drinks have replaced the three-martini lunch, unless you’re Hayden Forbes-Cartwright. He indulges in both. Rebecca manages to get us a quiet table in a corner near the tile fireplace. We won’t have to shout and have less likelihood of being overheard. After the drinks are ordered, she pulls out a legal pad. “Thought we could go over some strategies for the work. My thought is that you’ll work on the emails, social media, anything online and whatever documents we can upload. That way, while you’re traveling, you’ll have plenty of material to access.” “That would be great. I’ve been anxious about being away at such a crucial point in my career.” The pencil between Rebecca’s fingers moves up and down like a seesaw. “Thanks to technology. Years ago we were tied to the office, the library. I’m glad you can go to the awards ceremony. Kind of like the Oscars for authors.” “Yeah. Still five working days away…” “Our new legal research assistant is already busy organizing everything as documentation comes in.” A Paris Rose is put in front of Rebecca, who pushes her legal pad to the side, but not before a few drops splash onto the paper, leaving a light pink trail. My Jabberwock is in a coupe. She takes a sip just as the cheese board is deposited in the middle of the table along with a basket of fried pickles. Cheese is a magnet for me. My grabby fingers snatch some almost before the server gets the platter on the table. “Simon Greenberg is an attorney with Talcott, Maier, and current Republican candidate for Senate from Illinois. The SEC received a tip claiming he made use of private information to trade stocks from several companies he represents. After an investigation, the Commission decided on civil charges. Unfortunately, because his candidacy has made him a public figure, criminal charges are pending as well. Maybe some questions about election finance too.” “Wait. Shouldn’t Hayden be here?” Not that I want him, but if we’re a team, he deserves the same explanations. “Hayden has already been briefed.” Be professional. In control. Pretend it doesn’t matter. “Oh. I see.” But I don’t. Not at all. Rebecca takes a huge swallow of the pink liquid. “Not by me. After our meeting, Tyler and Fred took Hayden to lunch and briefed him there.” How does she know? Or is this an assumption? My heated protest escapes before I can rein it in. “But it’s your case.” She waves the comment away. “He was so full of himself when he got back. Swanned into my office. ‘Simon Greenberg, huh. I wondered after the rumors flying around. Good for us.’ Then he laughed and walked out.” Her scowl could freeze the Chicago River. “I was sure Tyler at least would make sure he’s up to speed and I wanted to get you in the loop right away. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fred and Tyler didn’t give Hayden some instruction on how to handle things and he will take advantage of the time you are away in April.” My cocktail beckons and I chug it down, sputtering slightly. “Should I cancel the trip?” She ignores that. “You’ll meet the client tomorrow, so make a strong impression. You’ll have plenty of work to do while you’re out of the office. Get your laptop set up with VPN. It will be your lifeline to the firm. Video meetings will help too. Make sure you can report on progress every day. A strong impression while you’re in Paris will give you a leg up.” We see the waiter in the distance and Rebecca catches his attention. Once we have refills, she takes a sip, then leans forward. “Show you’re dedicated to the firm and the case and that you can work without supervision. I’ll try to schedule the meetings first thing in the morning to mitigate the seven-hour time difference.” “And the other complications?” “Hayden is one, as I’m sure you’ve guessed. More in terms of your selection as partner. That will be decided long before the case is finished. But he’ll push for every plum he can pluck. The other is that because of the election cycle, Greenberg is pushing to get this cleared up or buried quickly. News of the pending charges will hit the papers tomorrow.” Why haven’t they leaked already? Rebecca must be a mind reader. “The papers are planning front-page splashes with stories, commentary, and reactions on at least two inside pages.” I can picture the Tribune. Huge headline and photos on their broadsheet front page. Stories about the investigation, the campaign, lots of background on the candidate, a piece where the rest of the field comments. Then an editorial on the op-ed pages. Maybe a political cartoon. The Sun-Times tabloid format will be just as comprehensive in a more compact form. “Collusion?” “Cooperation.” Her forehead wrinkles, brows touching. The corners of her mouth turn down. “Keeping him from making incendiary comments is going to be a job in itself. We want as little coverage as possible while we work on clearing him—if we can. The damage to his reputation is a gift to the other contenders. He’s been the front runner, the poster boy for the party.” In two swallows, the Jabberwock has disappeared. I order another, then cram more cheese into my mouth. “Hey, guys. Didn’t get the memo.” Hayden pushes into the tufted leather booth and reaches for a pickle, almost knocking me to the floor. “Uncle Tyler thought you might be here, Rebecca. Said it’s your usual watering hole.” “A casual afterwork drink.” Rebecca’s voice is flat. Hayden reaches over and taps her legal pad. “Sure you aren’t strategizing?” The twinkle in his eye shows malice, not amusement. “By the way, I met Laney this afternoon. She’s a cutie.” “Laney?” The name is unfamiliar. With a leer, he says, “Our legal researcher. Fresh out of her paralegal program.” The server comes by with my third drink. “Are you running a tab?” Rebecca nods. “Two Satan’s Whiskers. Need to play catch up with these two.” His smirk makes my skin crawl. “How appropriate.” He snickers. My snarky comment bounces off his crocodile hide. Before the drinks guy can take off, I hold up a hand. “I’d like to order something to go.” Pad out, he looks a bit like a bird, head to the side. “Shrimp cocktail with no sauce, and the Apple Salad. Just put the shrimp on top of the salad with the dressing on the side.” “You got it.” Hayden puffs out his chest like a pouter pigeon. “Me, I have a date as soon as I finish these truly spectacular drinks.” “Drinks named just for you.” He grins. “You know it. Scary but seductive. And I have some seducing on tap.” Probably with our new researcher. I push the sour feelings back. “Have fun.” “Oh, I intend to.” Rebecca’s warning look doesn’t make any impression either. She grabs her coat off the empty seat. “Off to have dinner with my hubby. He’s cooking tonight.” I trudge to the office, takeout container in hand, ready for a little research of my own. *** Excerpt from At the Ready by Sharon Michalove. Copyright 2023 by Sharon Michalove. Reproduced with permission from Sharon Michalove. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Sharon Michalove:

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Sharon Michalove

Sharon Michalove writes romantic suspense and traditional mystery as well as being a published historian. After growing up in suburban Chicago, she spent most of her life in a medium-sized university town, working as an academic professional as well as teaching history. She was married to a composer and frequently uses her knowledge of music, history, and food to enrich her novels. A hockey fan, Sharon moved back to Chicago in 2017 so she could go to Blackhawks games and spend quality time at Eataly Chicago.

Catch Up With Sharon: CoffeeAndEclairs.com Goodreads BookBub – @sdmichalove Instagram – @sdmichaloveauthor Twitter – @sdmichalove Facebook – @sharonmichalove AllAuthor – @sharonmichalove

 

 

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  Call Her Janie: A scintillating romantic suspense with a shocking twist
 
by S.R. Fabrico

Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  350 pages
GenreRomantic Suspense
Publisher:  S.R. Fabrico
Release date:  June 27, 2023
Content Rating PG-13+M. A few curse words. There are some intimate scenes, mostly left up to the readers imagination.
 
 

Book Description:

Are you ready for a heart-pumping, page-turning journey of love, loss, and suspense? Look no further than S.R. Fabrico’s latest masterpiece, filled with gripping twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
 
Meet Lizzie Levine, the unstoppable female executive at a top NYC marketing firm. Driven by the tragic loss of her parents, Lizzie refuses to let anything stand in her way – until a handsome, enigmatic billionaire named Gray Stone enters the picture. But when Lizzie discovers she’s pregnant with Gray’s child, she learns there’s more to him than meets the eye.
 
Desperate for a fresh start, Lizzie escapes to the serene coastal town of Southport, NC. There, she meets Josh, a charming local determined to help her heal and move on from her troubled past. But as Lizzie begins to rebuild her life, she soon realizes that her past is not so easily left behind. Someone with a sinister agenda lurks in the shadows, and Lizzie’s life is in grave danger.
 
With a writing style, that’s both eloquent and engaging, S.R. Fabrico takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you journey with Lizzie through the twists and turns of her life. Whether you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers or heartwarming love stories, this book is a must-read. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of passion, intrigue, and danger.
 
Buy the Book:
Signed Copy
Amazon
add to goodreads
 
 

 

Meet Author S.R. Fabrico:

S.R. Fabrico is a 16-time award-winning author. Her debut novel The Secrets We Conceal was published in March 2022. She has also written a series of sports journals for athletes, including the Amazon best-selling My Dance Journal.

A 25-plus-year professional in the business, marketing, and sports world has taken her to numerous places throughout the course of her life and provided countless life experiences. She is a World Champion Dance Coach, coach of the year recipient, and speaker and various conferences across the United States.

S.R. Fabrico works and writes from her home in Knoxville, TN, where she lives with her husband and two children. She appreciates the beauty of the mountains, but her favorite place to visit is the beach. She is a lifelong math nerd and enjoys good puns. When she isn’t writing, she likes to read books, wife hard, and mom hard.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 
 
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CALL HER JANIE Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Deadly Betrayal organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Sheila Kell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Deadly Betrayal

by Sheila Kell

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

When trusting the wrong person can be deadly.

From Romantic Suspense BEST-SELLING and AWARD-WINNING Author • What happens when a former FBI analyst quits her job to become a PI and ends up partnering with the man who left her fourteen years earlier? In Sheila Kell’s riveting novel of secrets, deceit, and romance, two people rush to find a killer while reckoning with their growing attraction.

Cassie McKay was tired of being passed over as a FBI field agent. She quits her job as a FBI analyst, moved back home with her mother, and takes a job as a PI. Only she hadn’t expected her partner to be the one man who’d left her years before.

Jack “JD” Walker had done a lot wrong in his life, but he hadn’t killed the mother of his child as the police believed, nor had he expected the only women he’d ever loved to come to his rescue. The two work diligently to prove JD’s innocence while someone is determined to make JD pay.

Deadly Betrayal is the first book in the Coastal Investigations series. If you enjoy a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, you’ll love this installment of Sheila Kell’s new romantic suspense series.

Enjoy this peek inside:

Before she could turn, a deep, gravelly voice said, “Cassie?”

She spun around, knowing who the voice belonged to, even though she’d last heard it on the man at seventeen years of age. Cassie’s breathless response of only “JD” undoubtedly expressed her surprise along with that flitter in her heart.

His vivid blue eyes turned icy cold. “Who is breaking the restraining order now?”

Confused, her brow scrunched up. “What?”

Without looking away, he shouted, “Gus, what is she here for? I’m not working on a case for her.” The stern voice hit like a slap to the face. What had happened to the JD she grew up with? The man she had one day swore she’d marry. Then Cassie remembered how he had abandoned her when he went off to college, and a fit of familiar anger and hurt surged within her.

“I gotta told you something, yeah. Well, I knowed ya been friends when you were young’uns, so I hired her to work with ya. I hoped it git rid of da prickliness.”

JD snapped his head to Gus. “She works here?”

As she turned back to Gus, she caught the man’s slow grin. “Sure thing, cher.”

She glanced back at JD. As handsome as ever. He sure had filled out nicely as a man. His shoulders were broader, the lines on his face distinguished, and the aura of danger still hung on him.

JD swiveled his head to stare at Gus as if they had concocted this meeting to taunt him or something.

She needed to explain that she wouldn’t be working there after all. “JD, I—”

He pointed at her, anger radiating from him. “I don’t want to hear anything from you.” He turned to Gus, his finger now pointing at the older gentleman. “I can’t believe you, Gus. Here I thought you liked me.” He exhaled loudly. “You can cram this job up your ass.” JD spun and exited, slamming the door behind him.

Cassie stood frozen, shaking. She wasn’t sure what the hell had just happened.

About Author Sheila Kell:

Sheila Kell writes about the romantic men who leave women’s hearts pounding with a happily ever after built on memorable, adrenaline-pumping stories. Or, (since her editor tries to cut down on her long-windedness) simply “Smokin’ Hot Romance & Intrigue.” Her debut novel, His Desire (HIS Series #1), launched as an Amazon #1 romantic suspense bestseller and Top 100 overall, later winning the Readers’ Favorite award for best romantic suspense novel.

As a Southern girl who traveled the world with the United States Air Force, she remembers all the embarrassing moments of her fellow veterans to include in her books and laughs every time she does it. Having left behind her days as a College President, she can usually be found nestled in the Mississippi woods, where she lives with her cats and all the strays that magically find her front door. When she isn’t writing, you can find Sheila with her nose in a good book, dealing with the woodland critters who enjoy her back patio, or wishing she had a genie to do her bidding.

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Shielding Her Son

West Investigations

by K.D. Richards

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Shielding Her Son (West Investigations)
Romantic Suspense
4th in Series
Harlequin Intrigue (July 26, 2022)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335582088
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335582089
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09N1PY2PH

She thought she’d escaped her past…

Has it caught up with her?

Erika Powell has lived in hiding for years to protect her son from his wealthy, tyrannical grandfather. Wary of strangers, she’s suspicious of James West, who’s renting a neighboring cabin, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when attempts are made on Erika’s life, James fears he may have endangered her—because the undercover PI’s investigation of Erika may have led someone dangerous right to her.

 

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

 

Discover more action-packed stories in the West Investigations series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: Pursuit of the Truth
Book 2: Missing at Christmas
Book 3: Christmas Data Breach
Book 4: Shielding Her Son

About K.D. Richards

K.D. Richards was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs just outside of Washington, D.C. A writer since a young age, after college Kia earned a law degree and worked as an attorney and legal instructor for fifteen years but never stopped writing fiction. She currently splits her time between Toronto and Maryland with her husband and two sons.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Harlequin   Amazon    Kobo     B&N 

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The Liars Beneath
Heather Van Fleet
Publication date: January 27th 2022
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult

A romantically dark YA thriller set in the backdrop of Iowa’s suspenseful farmlands.

After a tragic accident ends her best friend’s life, 17-year-old Becca Thompson succumbs to grief the only way she knows how: by wallowing in it. She’s a fragment of the person she once was—far too broken to enjoy the summer before her senior year. But when Ben McCain, her best friend’s older brother, returns home, Becca must face her new reality head on.

She isn’t interested in Ben’s games, especially since he abandoned his sister during the months leading up to her death. But when he begs for her help in uncovering the truth about what really happened the night of his sister’s death, Becca finds herself agreeing, hoping to clear up rumors swirling in the wake of her best friend’s accident.

An unhinged ex-boyfriend, secret bucket lists, and garage parties in the place Becca calls home soon lead her to the answers she’s so desperate to unveil. But nobody is being honest, not even Ben. And the closer Becca gets to the truth—and to Ben—the more danger seems to surround her.

Clearing her best friend’s name was all she wanted to do, but Becca is quickly realizing that the truth she craves might be uglier than the lies her best friend kept.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

It was almost midnight when I heard the knock against my window. Three soft and consecutive thuds, all of which match the beat of my heart. Why he chose that way to get my attention instead of texting, is a mystery. The kind of mystery I was way too amped up to question.

I wasn’t excited in the sense that I like him and want to spend time with him or anything. At least that’s what I told my racing heart when I first saw his smile from the other side of the glass. He’d been crouched on his belly on the roof of our porch like a stealthy spy, and the sight was something I’d never forget.

I’d thrown a hoodie on over the Tee I’m dressed in, pairing it with some denim cutoffs. Then I tossed my hair up into a messy bun and slid on some cherry Chapstick—but only because my lips were chapped. That’s it. No other reason whatsoever.

Once my Docs were on, I slid out my window and met him head on, the two of us jumping the five feet off the low hanging roof. I’d giggled uncontrollably when he landed on his butt instead of his feet, and he’d nearly pulled me down with him when he tried grabbing my laces. That would be the last time I’d ever not tie my boots.

“Guess what?” he whispered when we started to walk away from the house. “I researched your family tree today and found out that you, Becca, are the biggest sap.” He ended that statement with a tap to my nose. My freaking nose, for God’s sake.

He’d booped me.

My response—one which had been paired with a hard thump to his equally as hard abdomen: “You’re so dumb, you planted a dogwood tree and expected a litter of puppies.”

We both laughed at how stupid we sounded, yet at the same time it felt good to just be goofy. Or dare I say, normal. Though that word—normal—was a bit of a stretch when it came to the two of us anymore.

After that, Ben took my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world and proceeded to lead me to where we are now: the middle of the cornfield.

I trail my fingers over the silky corn stalks, marveling at their height and the way the midnight moon reflects off the green color. Nothing about this spot eases my frazzled nerves, of course. It doesn’t give me peace of mind like it once had when I’d come out here with Rose either. It’s kind of like the alcove in that sense—a spot tainted by a bad memory, despite the many good memories trying to override it.

Ben moves closer, our shoulders brushing.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

“Stuff.” That no longer matters. A time and a place and a memory that’s long past.

“Rose said you guys used to hang out here a lot.”

I shrugged one shoulder, unwilling to indulge in what happened the last time she and I had been out here. It’s not a huge thing, smoking weed and all, but for some reason, I don’t want Ben to know that it’d been my bucket list item, not Rose’s. It shows my age—how I’d been so young and inexperienced.

Not that I care what he thinks.

“It’s nice,” he continues. “Quiet too. I can see why you liked it.”

“We did some of our best thinking out here.” Thinking that was more along the lines of Rose smoking joints, while I stood by to keep watch.

“Hmm.” He nods, kicks the toe of his foot into the dirt. “I’m gonna go to that party on Saturday,” he tells me out of the blue.

I frown. “You think that’s smart after beating up Adam like you did?”

“Yup.”

“Why?”

“Because Adam’s gonna be there.” He looks away, but I don’t miss the flex of his jaw—not even in the dark. “I don’t trust the guy.”

I turn him around by the shoulders, forcing him to stand in front of me. “What’s there not to trust, exactly?”

“Lots of things.”

“Like what?”

“I’ve got facts that need exploring.” His lips purse.

“Yeah.” I roll my eyes. “Because you’re suddenly a detective now. I forgot.”

Adam wouldn’t hurt a puppy, let alone be behind Rose’s death. He used to talk big, but his love for my best friend was endless. Without a doubt, I know that’s who her secret boyfriend was. I just don’t get why they never went public.

“I’m more of a private eye, actually.” He covers one eye and curls the corner of his upper lip, making an argh noise.

“That’s a pirate, not a private eye, dork.”

“Either way, they’re both sneaky, right?”

I sigh, wondering if he’s always been this weird. Cocky, a smartass, and a huge instigator—that’s Ben. Not funny.

 

Author Heather Van Fleet:

Heather Van Fleet is a stay-at-home-mom turned book boyfriend connoisseur. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, a mom to three girls, and in her spare time you can find her with her head buried in her Kindle, guzzling down copious amounts of coffee.

Heather graduated from Black Hawk College in 2003 and currently writes Adult contemporary romance. She is published through Sourcebooks Casablanca with her Reckless Hearts series and Bookouture with her Red Dragon series.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest


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Grab your headphones because you’ll want to download Helen Starbuck’s newest romantic suspense audio, Finding Alex. Narrated by Sebastian York and Tiffany Williams, featuring Johnny Heller, Michael Pauley, and Amy Deuchler. Don’t believe me? Listen to the sample below.

Find Alex

 

Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Not knowing can be lethal

Assaulted, left for dead, and amnesic, the woman who thinks her name is Alex, may be the only surviving victim of a killer who’s targeting prostitutes and leaving their bodies without fingertips to complicate their identification. Denver Homicide Detective Blake Halloran is sure she is connected to the other killings but he can’t identify her, even with her fingertips intact. And she can’t remember anything—including the face or name of the man who tried to kill her.

With each new victim, it becomes more crucial for Alex to remember what happened to her if Blake and his partner are to solve the murders, but how do you force someone to remember? As Blake’s strong attraction to her and his need to protect her grows, so does his uneasiness about the inability to identify her, whether she’s a villain or a victim, and whether her amnesia is real.

Amazon | Audible | iTunes

About Author Helen Starbuck

 

Helen Starbuckno relation to the coffee bunch—lives in Arvada, Colorado, with her two cats and is a multiple award-winning author of Legacy of Secrets, Finding Alex, The Woman He Used to Know, and the Annie Collins Mystery Series.  Helen likes stories about strong women and interesting men. She writes her mysteries from the perspective of an OR nurse and relies on her love of suspense and romance to write her standalone romantic suspense novels. Her theory is, if you don’t like life as it is, you can always write a different ending.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Deadly Getaway
by Karen Mueller Bryson
Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense
USA TODAY Bestselling Author KAREN MUELLER BRYSON
Her dream vacation becomes a nightmare when her roommate goes missing.
Brooklyn Winters just received the offer of a lifetime. If she accompanies her roommate, Addie, on a Spring Break trip to a tropical island paradise, all her expenses will be paid for by her roommate’s parents.
There’s only one problem: Brooklyn promised her dad she would spend Spring Break working with him at the Seven Brothers Security Services office. That’s what she has done for every vacation for as long as she can remember.
When her overprotective father reluctantly agrees to the island getaway, Brooklyn assures him that she and Addie will be perfectly safe and that he has nothing to worry about.
If only she was right.
On their first day on the island, Addie goes missing. The last thing Brooklyn wants to do is admit to her father that she was wrong and ask for his help. So, she searches for Addie on her own.
As Brooklyn follows the leads to find Addie, she realizes she is being trailed by Theo, a nerdy tourist staying in the room next door. Theo seems to have a crush on Brooklyn, so she uses it to her advantage and talks him into helping her find Addie.
But when Brooklyn starts to develop feelings for Theo, she discovers it was no accident that he was staying in the room next door.
She uncovers a web of lies. Nothing is what is seems and Brooklyn isn’t sure who she can trust.
Will she be able to find her best friend before it’s too late?
Available exclusively in the Notorious Minds box set!
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What does it take to commit the perfect crime?
Delve into these dark and twisted tales by twenty USA Today and International Bestselling Authors.
No matter what kind of crime story typically catches your imagination, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Conspiracies, political plots, and yes, even murder, are just a few of the crimes waiting inside this box set.
Discover a narcissistic grandmother running an underground syndicate, or a support group bent on murder…and even a serial killer who turns his victims into fairytale creatures.
Uncover the passion, jealousy, and fear lingering in every tale.
This box set is packed with thousands of pages that will hold you on the edge of your seat, crying for answers.
**Pre-order now for Only .99 cents and get a free gift HERE!! **
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KAREN M. BRYSON is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes romantic stories with humor and heart. She is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry as well as the RWA Lone Star Writing Contest.
Karen is also an award-winning/optioned screenwriter.
When she’s not at her computer creating new stories, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.
Karen previously wrote contemporary romance under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON, REN MONTERREY and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DAKOTA MADISON.
Please note that Karen M. Bryson (TM) is a trademark and may not be used without the owner’s permission.
Where to find Karen…
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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Airborne by DiAnn Mills Banner

 

 

Airborne

by DiAnn Mills

on Tour September 1-30, 2020

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51979007

Synopsis:

 

Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.

 

Book Details:

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Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Tyndale House Publishers Publication Date: September 8th 2020 Number of Pages: 400 ISBN: 1496427173 (ISBN13: 9781496427175)

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads

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Airborne Trailer:

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Read an excerpt:

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Chapter One Houston Early July Monday, 6 p.m. Vacations offered a distraction for those who longed to relax and rejuvenate, but FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence wrestled with the decision to take an overseas trip alone. Normally she arrived for a flight at IAH eager to embark upon a new adventure. Not this time. Her vacation expectations had bottomed out over four weeks ago after Chad had slammed the door on reconciliation. Was she working through her grief or avoiding the reality of a husband who no longer wanted her? She waited to board the flight in a designated line at the gate. The hum of voices blended with airport beeps, and announcements swirled around her as though enticing her to join the enthusiasm. In the line beside her, passengers shifted their carry-ons and positioned their mobile devices or paper boarding passes. Ready. Alert. People eager to be on their way. Heather offered a smile to those nearest her. An adorable little blond boy with an older woman found it hard to stand still. A middle-aged couple held hands. The bald head and pasty skin of the man indicated a medical condition. He stumbled, and the woman reached for him. A robust man held a violin case next to his heart. A twentysomething woman with pink hair and a man behind her with a scruffy beard exchanged a kiss. Chad used to steal kisses. If she pinpointed the exact moment when he chose to separate himself from her, she’d say when he returned from a third trip for Doctors Without Borders late last fall. He’d witnessed suffering and cruel deaths that had scarred him. She’d encouraged his desire to help others, not realizing their future would take a backseat. While he drove toward success, their marriage drifted across the lanes and stalled in a rut. The boarding line moved toward the Jetway. Each step shook her to the core as though she should turn and try to reverse the past seven months. She’d ignored her and Chad’s deteriorating relationship in an effort to make him happy. A huge mistake. But she didn’t intend to add the labels beaten or weak to her dossier. A cell phone sounded, and a man boarding in front of her stopped to answer it. His shoulders stiffened under a tan sports coat, and he talked in hushed tones. Heather dug her fingers into her palms and forced one foot in front of the other while the man pocketed his cell phone and proceeded into business class. A flight attendant greeted her, a dark-haired young man wearing a wide smile, relaxed and genuine, an obvious sign he enjoyed his job. She returned the gesture. His black jacket with two rows of silver braid on the sleeves and black trousers were magazine perfect. Heather walked to a rear aisle seat in business class and hoisted her tote bag into the overhead compartment. Although it held essentials for every emergency in case her luggage was delayed, the bulging piece weighed less than the burden on her heart. Easing onto her seat, Heather pulled the brochure from her shoulder bag describing Salzburg’s music festival, a celebration of musicians past and present. First a layover in Frankfurt and then on to her destination. She’d rented an apartment for ten days within walking distance of the historical center. The flexibility allowed her to choose her itinerary and cook or dine out. From the online photos, the centuries-old building had just enough updates to be comfortable without damaging its historic charm. She’d have hours to explore Mozart’s roots, museums, the many churches, immerse herself in the culture, and think. A female passenger, sporting red spiked hair and chin-length hooped earrings, stopped beside her. The woman carried a Venti Starbucks. “Excuse me.” Her German accent a reminder of the destination. “Would you mind holding my coffee while I store my carry-on?” “Of course.” Heather held the cup while the woman shoved her small suitcase into the overhead bin. “Sorry for the inconvenience. I wasn’t thinking when I bought the coffee.” “It smells heavenly.” Heather stood to let the woman pass and then handed her the cup. “Thank you.” The woman blew on the lid and took a sip. “I’m Mia.” “I’m Heather.” “Long flight ahead but soon I’ll be home.” She pointed to Heather’s brochure. “Salzburg?” “Yes. For a much-needed vacation.” “I’m from Frankfurt. Really missing my daughter and husband.” “You’ll see them soon.” Mia broke into a wide smile. “We’ve done FaceTime and texted, but I want to touch their faces and hug them.” Heather continued to read the Salzburg brochure to avoid any personal comments from Mia, like whether she was taking a vacation solo. An elderly man wearing a straw fedora and a white mustache sat in the aisle seat across from Heather. He pulled his phone from his pant pocket and used his thumbs on the keyboard like a kid. Mia placed her coffee on the tray and made a phone call. “Wie geht es meinem kleinen Mädchen?” Heather translated the German. How is my little girl? The woman’s excitement resonated through every word. Love. Laughter. Priceless commodities that Heather didn’t possess. Yet this trip offered an opportunity to rekindle her faith in God and chart a course for the future. While the attendants made their way through business class with drink orders, Heather longed to have confirmation she’d made the right decision to take this trip. No one knew of her vacation plans except her parents and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Wade Mitchell in Houston. No one needed to know the why of her trip until she made a few decisions. Stuffing the Salzburg brochure into her bag, she snatched the aircraft’s information and confirmed the layout for 267 passengers, restrooms, exit doors, in-seat power, on-demand entertainment, and three galleys. She always noted the details of her surroundings, another habit of working so many FBI cases. Always be prepared for the unexpected. If the trip had been FBI sanctioned, her present circumstances might not hurt so much. How ironic she worked the critical incident response group as a behavior analyst, and she wrestled to understand her own life. Right on time, the flight attendants took their assigned posts while miniature screens throughout the plane shared the aircraft’s amenities and explained the passenger safety instructions. The captain welcomed them moments before the plane lifted into the clouds. On her way. No turning back. She prayed for a safe journey and much-needed answers. Food smells from business class caught her attention, a mix of roasted chicken and beef. Too often of late, she forgot to eat or nothing appealed to her. To shake off the growing negativity, she paid for Wi-Fi and grabbed her phone from her bag. Time to concentrate on something other than herself. She glanced at the incoming notifications. No texts. Her emails were an anticipated list of senders when she longed for a change of heart from Chad. Sighing, she closed her eyes. Between her job, Chad, and stress, too often she fought for enough pillow time. Two hours later, she woke from a deep sleep to the sound of a woman’s scream. Chapter 2 Heather whirled toward the ear-piercing cry behind her. She released her seat belt and rushed back to the economy section. The overhead lights snapped on to reveal the middle-aged couple whom she’d seen at the gate. The panic-stricken woman beside him held a tissue to his nose. Blood dripped beneath her fingers and down her wrist. Not a muscle moved on the man’s face, and his eyes rolled back into their sockets. Heather approached him in the aisle seat. Before she could speak, the woman gasped, a mix of sobs and a struggle for composure. “Help me. I can’t stop the bleeding.” Heather used tissues from the woman’s lap to help block the blood flow. “Try to stay calm.” The woman nodded. “I shouldn’t have let him talk me into this trip. He’s been so weak.” From the front of the plane, the male flight attendant who’d greeted passengers earlier rushed their way. He carried two kits, one labeled first aid and the other biohazard. A female attendant trailed after him. “Help is here,” Heather said to the woman. She moved aside for the attendant to administer aid. She prayed the ill man was undergoing a minor problem—an easily resolved issue—and for the woman’s comfort. But his lifeless face showed a grim reality. “Sir, how do you feel?” Not a sound or movement came from the man. Blood flowed from Heather’s mass of tissues. The male attendant twisted off the seal of the biohazard kit and searched inside. He drew out a pair of nitrile gloves and wiggled them on. The female attendant opened the first aid kit, ripped into a gauze package, and handed it to the male attendant, who applied it to the man’s nose. She opened the biohazard waste bag to dispose of the soiled materials. The male attendant captured the woman’s attention. “Ma’am, I’m Nathan. Is this your husband?” “Yes. He’s very hot.” Nathan touched the man’s forehead. “How long has he been feverish?” “He was fine when we boarded. Perhaps over an hour into the flight?” Her sobs subsided to soft cries. “Do something. Blood’s coming from his mouth.” Heather touched her shoulder with a clean hand. “Take a deep breath.” “How can I? Roy’s not breathing.” “That’s his name?” His gentle voice ushered in compassion. “Yes. I’m Catherine.” He bent to speak to Roy. “I’m Nathan. Give me a few minutes to administer first aid.” He replaced the gauze on Roy’s nose for the second time and turned to the female flight attendant, who’d paled but didn’t tremble. “Leave the kits. Call the flight deck and tell them what’s happening.” She rushed to the front of the cabin. “This is my fault.” Catherine held Roy’s hand. “He finished chemo and radiation for lung cancer, but his doctor hadn’t cleared him for the trip.” “Catherine,” Nathan said, “I know you’re worried, but try to stay calm. Has he experienced these symptoms before?” “No.” A voice spoke over the interphone. “If a licensed medical professional is on board, we have a medical issue. All other passengers, please remain in your seats.” Within moments, a lean man arrived from the right side of business class carrying a leather case. “I’m a doctor.” Heather stepped back while he examined Roy and spoke to Nathan. While the doctor stood over Roy with his back to Heather, Nathan turned to her. “We’ve got this handled. Please return—” “No, please. Let her stay,” Catherine said. “If she doesn’t mind.” Nathan frowned. “Okay, for the moment. Our manual states we have to keep the aisle clear around the patient.” “I understand,” Heather said. “I’d be happy to sit with her, and I’m Heather.” “Miss, if the pilots call our med service on the ground, I’ll need you out of way so we can relay instructions.” The doctor and Nathan lowered Roy to the aisle and treated him. They blocked Heather’s view of the procedure, but the doctor rummaged for something inside the leather case. For the next ten minutes, she waited for the doctor to reassure passengers of the man’s recovery. Catherine’s hysteria spun in a cloud of uncertainty that left unchecked often spread panic. She unfastened her seat belt and rose on unstable legs. “Please, tell me my husband is all right.” The female attendant gently urged her back onto the seat. The doctor eased up from Roy and spoke reassuring words to Catherine. He peeled off his blood-covered gloves and tossed them into the bag. Had Roy succumbed to the lung cancer or a complication? Nathan walked to a galley area. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am Nathan Howard, your lead flight attendant on board your flight today. We appreciate your concern for the man receiving medical attention. We will transport him to the rear of the cabin, where he’ll be comfortable. A doctor is tending to him, and the medical concern is under control. Thank you.” Heather supported the airline’s protocol designed to keep everyone from alarm and terror while the crew addressed issues. Yet a few people craned their necks to watch the scene as though it was a morbid form of entertainment more interesting than the recycled movies on the screens in front of them. Nathan returned to Catherine. “I know you’d like for the young woman to sit with you, but it would be easier for the flight crew and safer for her if we placed an attendant here. Can we do that?” “I guess.” Catherine’s lips quivered. Heather bent to speak. “I’m not far.” She understood how Catherine had latched on to her, a stranger, for moral support. Nathan and the doctor picked Roy up and carried him to the rear. Roy was either unconscious or dead. The female flight attendant sat in Roy’s seat and held Catherine’s hand. “I’ll stay with you for as long as you like.” “Can I join my husband?” “When the doctor is finished, I’ll escort you back.” Heather returned to her seat—her mind weighed with concern. “Gott hab Erbarmen,” Mia said. “Yes, God have mercy.” “You speak German?” “A little. Spent a year in Frankfurt when I was in college.” “The sound of it makes me long for home.” She hesitated. “What’s wrong with the man?” “His wife said he’d recently completed chemo treatments for lung cancer. I’m sure the doctor is doing all he can. The airline has doctors on the ground, and they’ll consult with the doctor on board. Between them, they’ll figure out what’s best.” “Do you work for the airlines?” “No.” Heather smiled. “I’m with the Department of Justice.” Mia rubbed her palms together. She’d already stated her desire to see her family. “Will the flight be diverted?” “It depends on lots of factors. The man may just require rest.” Heather wasn’t going to state the excessive blood from Roy’s mouth and nose pointed to his death. By now the doctors at Medi-Pro-Aire, an advisory service for airlines, had been contacted and put in communication with the pilot. “I read the airline’s cost to emergency divert range from $10,000 to upwards of $200,000,” Mia said. “I don’t doubt the cost, but with this airline, the safety and welfare of the passengers always come first. They don’t blink at the cost of diversion. It’s on management’s mind post-action.” “Can the pilots be called to the carpet for making a safety decision?” “I’m sure their procedure is in place to protect the passengers.” Heather forced comfort into her voice. “We’ll be okay.” Muffled voices around her prompted alarm. A man shouted for help. “My wife has a terrible headache.” A man in business class vomited. “My son has a fever,” a woman said. “Please, the man beside me has a nosebleed, and he can’t stop it.” “What is going on?” Mia whispered. “All these people are suddenly sick. Frighteningly sick.” Heather wished she had answers while horror played out around her. “I’m afraid.” Mia’s face turned ashen. “We have to stay calm.” Heather craved to heed her own advice. Throughout the plane, people complained of flu-like symptoms. Another person vomited. Heather touched her stomach. A twinge of apprehension crept through her. Nathan spoke over the interphone. “If you are experiencing physical distress, press your call button. Flight attendants will be in your area soon with damp paper towels. Use these to cover your mouth and the tops of beverages. As always, remain in your seats.” Heather messaged ASAC Mitchell in Houston with the medical emergency report, including the symptoms. He responded. The FBI, TSA, CDC, and Medi-Pro-Aire are on it. Are you okay? Yes. People’s symptoms indicate a serious virus. The doctor on board has given a similar conclusion. She trembled as she typed. Looks similar to what Chad described in Africa. The doctor said the same. Is the man dead? I think so. How many others are sick? Heather surveyed the passengers within her sight and typed. From my seat, I see around ten in business class, and I hear the sick in economy. Will the plane divert? No decision yet. Keep me posted. You are our eyes. Beyond what the doctor on board relayed to those on the ground, ASAC Mitchell must believe she held the voice of reason and objectivity. The irony of their interpretation. The viruses were usually zoonotic or caused by insects, and the symptoms created intense suffering. She blinked to clear her head and not ponder the worst. With panic gripping her in a stranglehold, she imagined what others were feeling. A man questioned why the plane hadn’t landed. A woman bolted to the galley and held her mouth. The man who held the violin marched to the business class restroom but fell face-first and vomited. The elderly man across the aisle from her coughed. His nose trickled blood. Heather grabbed tissues from her bag and handed them to him. “Will this help?” “Tell me this is a nightmare.” He gripped her arm—fiery hot. *** Excerpt from Airborne by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2020 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author DiAnn Mills:

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DiAnn Mills 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 of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

Connect with DiAnn On: DiAnnMills.com, Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook!

 

 

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