Archive for the ‘Romance’ Category

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Some truths are worth dying for.

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Ultimate Justice

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K-9 Special Ops Book 3

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by Tee O’ Fallon

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Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense

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Some truths are worth dying for.

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While tracking down an escaped felon, FBI Special Agent Evan McGarry and his
K-9, Blue, uncover a smoking hot lead on the location of dozens of missing
children―including Evan’s own sister. The shocking discovery reopens cold cases
throughout Colorado, along with painful wounds and the heartbreaking guilt
Evan’s kept buried for decades.

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Three years ago, hospital custodian Marlie Foxe’s world imploded, causing her
to cut herself off from the world. But when one of the missing boys turns up at
her hospital, he only allows Marlie to get close. Now, Evan needs her help with
the boy―and he won’t take no for an answer. When she finally agrees to work
with him, Evan suspects there’s more to the woman than she’s letting on. She’s
hiding something. The question is what.

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As Evan and Marlie unearth a cult targeting runaways, they’re forced to
confront not only dangerous criminals but the truths they’ve both been
avoiding―including the blistering passion they can no longer deny. But when
more children disappear, they’ll have to risk more than just their hearts.

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Each book in the K-9 Special Ops series is STANDALONE:
* Tough Justice
* Burning Justice
* Ultimate Justice

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“Ultimate Justice is romantic suspense done right! It has great
characters
, a riveting plot, and sizzling romance.
Tee O’Fallon’s law enforcement background shines through in the realistic and
suspenseful plot… The story moves at a brisk pace that will
keep the pages flying… This is one of my favorite books of the year and Tee
O’Fallon is an author to seek out.” – Just Another Damn Book Blog

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Audible* Kobo * Google* Bookbub * Goodreads

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“Evan arched a brow. Liar. The woman looked anything but happy.

 

Her knuckles were white where she had her long blond braid in a

death grip, and the smooth skin over her carotid pulsed rapidly. She shot what he could

swear was a panicked look at the door. Bottom line…Marlie Foxe looked ready to bolt

faster than a deer on opening day of hunting season.

 

Her deep blue gaze met his, and he was struck by the sad, haunted

look in hers. He’d seen that look. It was the same one he’d seen in the mirror on his

own face and those of his parents in the days and months after Gracie disappeared. He

wondered if it would ever stop.

 

Now, for the first time in twenty-four years, he was, potentially, on

the verge of discovering the answer to his family’s burning question: what happened to

their daughter, his sister?

 

If only he wasn’t exhausted. Make that totally beat to shit. He’d

 

barely slept, and then only because he’d had to.

 

In the two days he’d been waiting to interview Noah, he’d fully

briefed his SAIC—Special Agent in Charge—the FBI director via Zoom, the U.S.

Attorney’s Office in Denver, gotten an arrest warrant for Francis Manello and served

another search warrant at the man’s house. He and a team of agents had tossed the

house from top to bottom. Forensics was dumping every scrap of information on

Manello’s computer, but all Evan could think about was that Polaroid. He still couldn’t

believe it, but it was her—Gracie—wearing the same pink shirt she’d had on the last

time he’d seen her. Guilt squeezed his heart tighter than a bank vault door.

 

Focus, dammit! Focus!

“Blue, come.” He hitched his head to the dog who’d been his

 

partner for more than four years.

 

As Blue trotted to the bed, Evan pointed, and his dog situated

himself between Marlie and the bed and rested his head on the edge of the mattress.

Despite Blue’s size, Marlie didn’t cringe or back away.

 

“Can I pet him?” Noah looked at Evan expectantly.

“You bet. That’s what I brought him for.” Pretty much every kid

Noah’s age wanted a dog. A dog’s attention and comfort were great for improving

emotional health, especially after a traumatic experience. The only thing necessary was

for the dog to be gentle and friendly, which Blue was. Except when hunting down a

homicidal felon.

 

It wasn’t quite a smile, but the corners of Marlie’s pink, full lips lifted

a fraction as she watched Noah pet Blue. She had the most interesting face he’d ever

seen. Heart-shaped. Yet it was her eyes that drew him in. Eyes were the windows to the

soul, and he wondered about hers.

 

“He likes having his ears stroked,” Evan said, casting a glance over

his shoulder. The good doctor, who looked eerily like an undertaker, would be back soon

with those extra chairs. Noah didn’t like the man. Getting him out the door, even for a

few minutes, seemed like a stellar idea.

 

Blue leaned into the boy’s hand and groaned like he’d just scarfed

down a meaty T-bone. The deep rumble in the back of Blue’s throat made Noah giggle.

He hadn’t quite reached adolescence and still had the high-pitched voice of youth.

“Do you like dogs?” he asked, taking the first step in his forensic

 

interview of the boy: establishing rapport.

He nodded.

 

In the interest of not towering over the bed, Evan sat in the vacant chair, leaving

Kinnemara, the FBI’s Office for Victim Assistance advocate, standing quietly by the

door.

 

Normally, he’d approach any interview with methodical calm, but

that Polaroid of his sister made him feel like a powder keg with a little fuse. He wanted

to trash protocol and dive right in. With children, rushing in too quickly could be

disastrous. “Did you ever have a dog before?”

 

Noah shook his head, his attention still focused on Blue. “I wanted

 

one, but Sheila and Mike—my foster parents—wouldn’t let me.”

 

No surprise there. Noah Lund’s background check had included his

former foster parents. Sheila and Mike Hamilton had been too busy peddling drugs out

their back door to care about anyone else. He’d bet they’d only taken Noah in to get

state money for fostering a child. The state’s screening process was seriously flawed.

More like, seriously sucked.

Evan caught Marlie scrutinizing him. The haunted look in her eyes had been

replaced by something else. Suspicion. Still drilling him with those piercing blue eyes,

she rested a hand on Noah’s shoulder, telling him something else—North Metro’s

custodian was protective of the boy. Somehow, in the span of only two days, they’d

formed a bond, one he needed to be cautious of. Perhaps, take advantage of.

“Do you like baseball?” The kid’s pjs were baseball-themed.

“Yeah.” Noah kept petting Blue.

“Me too. I played in school.”

Finally, the boy looked up. “What position?”

“Centerfield. You?”

Noah shrugged. “Don’t know. Never played on a team. Just

 

with Caleb.”

 

“Who’s Caleb?” He already knew the kid had no siblings and

 

no other blood relatives the state was aware of.

 

“My friend. I think he got caught. He—”

Caught?

Squealing came from the hallway as Dr. Strobie wheeled in

two more chairs, positioning one beside Evan’s and leaving the other at the foot of the

bed for Kinnemara.

 

Strobie sat and scooted his chair closer. Noah stopped

petting Blue and tugged the sheet on his lap higher, gripping it tightly in his fists, as if

forming a protective shield. The kid really didn’t like the hospital shrink. If he could eject

the doc from the room, he gladly would. The man’s presence had the same effect as

slapping a strip of duct tape over the boy’s mouth. Strobie had also procured a legal-

size notepad and sat poised with a ballpoint pen in his hand.

 

This guy was a pain in the ass. The best way to establish

rapport and trust with a child was to show them you were listening and that you cared.

Not by writing down every word.

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**Don’t miss the other books in the series!**
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Find them on Amazon!

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Tee O’Fallon is
the author of the Federal K-9 Series and the NYPD Blue & Gold Series. Tee
has been a federal agent for twenty-three years and is now a police
investigator, giving her hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement
that she combines with her love of romantic suspense. When not writing, Tee
enjoys cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and spending time with
her Belgian Sheepdogs Loki and Kyrie. Tee loves hearing from readers and can be
contacted via her website https://teeofallon.com where you can also sign up for
Tee’s newsletters.

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Website *
Facebook * X * Instagram
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Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a 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 The Goblin King’s Mischief organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author D. Lieber will award a $10 Bookshop Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

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

The Goblin King’s Mischief

by D. Lieber

 

 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Synopsis

A promise unkept. A love she can’t forget. This wily human will do anything to reclaim the heart of the Goblin King.

Lady Melody Piobaire never lost faith her first love would come for her when she was forced from his side. That is, until she finds out he doesn’t even know who she really is…doesn’t even know she’s human. To make things worse, she’s the promised mistress of the sidhe king. Rather than bear Tir’s heir, she devises a plan to win back her true love in the most goblin of ways.

Orphaned elf Aodh never forgot what it was like growing up on the mean streets of Goblintown. And now, as Goblin King, he’s dedicated to being the just and attentive ruler the neglected goblins deserve. So when a spoiled human who knows nothing of what it means to be a goblin tricks him into marriage, he’ll do anything to be rid of her.

Melody is certain she can win Aodh’s heart again, so she isn’t prepared for his hot and cold hostility. Aodh is unsettled by the forward human in his home and the way she seems to know just how to get to him.

What can Melody do if her only love no longer wants her, or worse, no longer exists?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

I looked up at Aodh, taking in the face I used to know so very well. His features had sharpened in the last ten years. His thick hair—which had been quite messy when it was shorter—now fell in long locks that could no longer hide the pointed tips of his ears. The groove between his straight nose and wide lips had deepened, and he still had a tiny break in the hair of his left eyebrow, a scar too small to see if not for the space where the hair no longer grew.

I took in the sight of him, memorizing the small changes that had taken place since the last time I’d seen him. He’d grown both taller and wider—his shoulders now the broad and strong shoulders of a man. Though, despite the added years, his eyes had changed the most. They were much darker than I remembered, not in color but in substance. He’d helped me as I knew he would, but he no longer had that carefree glint in his eyes. The lack of that little light of mischief hurt more than anything else.

“Miss?” he called. “Where do you live? What’s your name?”

I let my mouth widen in a smirk of bravado. “Me? My name is Lady Melody Píobaire, daughter of the Earl of Piskishire.” I swallowed my heart. He’s not going to like this. Raising my left hand, I displayed the ring I’d just sneaked from his finger onto mine. “I’m the goblin queen, and you can come for me at Maplecrest, my family home, whenever is convenient for you, husband.”

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About Author D. Lieber 

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  1. Lieber has a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.

Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.

Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).

Author Links: Website / Goodreads / Bookbub

Preorder Links: Amazon / B&N / Universal / BookBub / Goodreads

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

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

Author Beth Pellino-Dudzic will award paperback copies of both books in the series: Playing Hard and Playing High (US only) to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

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

Playing High

by Beth Pellino-Dudzic

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Genre: Romance

Synopsis

Gina Will Do Anything to Protect Her Husband and Her Band

Perfection is one of the hottest bands on the rock n’ roll scene and they are being wooed into the seductive pitfalls that come with fame. How will they continue to rise when temptation is all around them?

Lead singer, Gina, is seen as The Sexy Siren of Rock for her onstage heat and glamour, but her true love is offstage—as wife to guitarist Trevor, and mother to their miracle baby, Roxanne.

Keeping a family together while touring with the band is hard enough, but Gina is faced with an even more sinister challenge. Trevor’s old friend, Brian Mayfield is hell bent on separating the couple—using drugs, alcohol, and women as his weapons. But why is he so driven to destroy them? How far will tough-as-nails Gina go to protect the ones she loves?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

IT WAS BACK TO REAL WORK on the album. Gina sat with the guys for a couple of days trying to sort out the music and lyrics and was making headway. Perfection thought they had a solid four songs, but that wouldn’t be enough. However, it was time to go to New York. The McNaughtons wanted the entire band of Perfection to attend their wedding. Even Brian Mayfield was invited. He would lay very low for this event. However, Brian Mayfield would prove to be problematic down the road. Skip Glazer and his wife June were part of the band family. Skip was always working on the band’s business, even when it was an off day.

Tommy and Anne Whelan were invited to the wedding. Tommy worked for Brown Fence Records; he was the producer for Perfection. And had asked specifically to work with the band. Tommy was a well sought after producer in the music world. He wanted to take Perfection to the highest level. He had a close attachment with them. Gina and Trevor hired a private jet so their guests didn’t have to pay airfare. Everyone wanted to attend this wedding since no one was there for the first one in Vegas.

Gina was keeping a huge secret. It might slow down the rehearsals, maybe the recording, certainly now wasn’t the time to share it, though. She wondered when and how she would tell Trevor.

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About Author Beth Pellino-Dudzic:

Beth Pellino-Dudzic was born in the Bronx and grew up in Westchester County, New York. She earned a BA in Business Administration and worked at IBM. She has three adult daughters and a new Granddaughter. She currently lives in Alabama with her husband and their miniature dachshund, Truffle. Although The Perfection Saga is fictional, many of the stories hark back to Beth’s time in the Rock ‘n’ Roll world. Beth’s favorite pastime is football, everything football. She also is an excellent cook and baker.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

PurchaseLink: Amazon

FREE to read on KU

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

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Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love.

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For the Love of Winter

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Volume Two

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Genre: A Collection of Holiday Romances

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with stories by

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Leah Miles, Vickey
Wollan, C.L. Hart, Sara J. Walker, Erika Kilmer Freidly,

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Marie Morton, Sally
Ann Murphy, Elizabeth Edgar, Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

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Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love. From historical winter
celebrations to modern sizzling New Year’s Eve encounters, this
anthology spans sweet to spicy romance across different eras and
realms. Whether you prefer gentle courtship or steamy embraces, this
collection has something for every romance reader.

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Mistletoe Magic, by Leah Miles:

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A holiday romance rekindles when Navy SEAL Michael
Rodriguez runs into his old flame, Nora Geller, and invites her to
his family gathering. Will they mend old wounds and find love again,
or will misunderstandings leave their hearts out in the cold?

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Happily Ever After, Take Two, by Sara Walker:

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Will Dino and Hilde’s second chance love
overcome family doubts and past mistakes for a lifetime of happiness?

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Love Under the Cold Moon, by Vanessa Kilmer:

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A headstrong Celtic woman and a reluctant Roman
heir clash and connect in an arranged marriage during the Alpine
winter festivals of 193 AD.

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Finding a Date for Christmas by Vickey Wollan:

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 Joan’s going to a Christmas gala and
hires Mack on Rent-A-Date. If he reveals his secret, will he get a
second date? Can two lonely hearts find romance in time for
Christmas?

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Snowbound Hearts, by C.L. Hart:

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When a divorced couple ends up stuck in a snowbound lodge
in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it could either be the worst
Christmas ever or a second chance to make things right.

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A Fluffy White Christmas – A Tail of Love, by Sally Murphy: 

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Can a half-starved stray dog help a lonely woman open up her frozen heart to a new love this
Christmas?

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Glancing over, Elizabeth saw Izzy in the window, her smile beaming out at the three of them. Then she looked at Elizabeth as if to say “It’s okay, Mom. It’s okay to love.” A shout brought her attention back to Ian and Agnes. With a surprisingly swift grace for such a large animal, Agnes had rolled to her feet and knocked Ian down. He could only laugh helplessly as Agnes settled on his back and smiled at Elizabeth, her tongue lolling.

“You two are a sight.” Elizabeth ran forward and dove at the two of them, and all three were rolling in the snow, laughing uproariously. Agnes recovered quickly and dashed away, bouncing back to playfully “boof” Ian with one large paw before racing away again to run in circles. Ian lost his balance and Elizabeth could not stop laughing.

“You’ve been ‘boofed’,” she told him, dipping her hands into the snow and throwing it at him. He ducked and returned the favor, but before Elizabeth could gather enough snow for a snowball, she was also boofed as Agnes’ affectionate pat sent her sprawling. They both lay in the snow and took turns throwing snow at Agnes, who thought this was hilarious and ran about wildly each time the cold spray hit her face. Finally, Ian rolled to his feet and helped Elizabeth to hers. Agnes promptly gave up the game and came to lean affectionately against the two of them.

“What a beauty,” Ian breathed, but he looked up and met Elizabeth’s eyes as the words left his mouth.

“She is, isn’t she?” Elizabeth said, and Ian nodded.

“Yes.” He leaned in and kissed her, a soft, friendly kiss, and when Elizabeth did not protest, he stepped closer and kissed her again. His arms went gently around her, and Elizabeth slipped her own around him, standing in the cold snow, kissing him as if in a dream.

Excerpt 2

December first. Elizabeth Jordan opened the last box of Christmas ornaments with a heavy heart, trying not to pretend she had been putting off this box on purpose. This box was a very special one, holding the ornaments of every pet she had had since she was a child: a Maltese, three Shelties, two tiny birds, and a Golden Retriever. All had lived long happy lives except one, Sam, her faithful Golden Retriever.

Sam had been lost to cancer, suddenly, painfully, and though two years had passed she still missed him very much. Her twelve-year-old daughter, Izzy, longed for another dog, but Elizabeth knew she would never be able to survive the pain of losing another dog like that. Life had no guarantees, she knew, but having also lost her husband to cancer, she felt safer keeping her heart closed.

“Mom!!” Izzy had a note in her voice that Elizabeth didn’t understand, but the high-pitched cry brought her running. Izzy stood by the French doors, staring in amazement.

“It’s Sam! Look, it’s Sam!”

Elizabeth knew it could not be Sam, but the sight of the large white dog gracefully clearing their fence to run through the backyard certainly made her think it was. Without thinking, she pulled open the doors and ran outside, Izzy on her heels, carrying the boots Elizabeth had forgotten as she raced across the yard.

“Here boy!” Elizabeth called, and the dog paused and turned back. Even as their eyes met Elizabeth knew this wasn’t Sam; this dog was either very pregnant or had recently whelped. Elizabeth had zero experience in those matters, but she clapped her hands and called. “Here! It’s okay.”

The dog loped toward her and allowed Elizabeth and Izzy to pet her majestic head as Elizabeth felt for a collar or a chip beneath her white fur. Which, upon a closer look, was matted and filthy.

“No collar,” she told Izzy, and then the dog turned away and crossed the yard, leaping into the neighbor’s yard behind them.

Not sure why, Elizabeth followed, but not before she pulled on the boots Izzy handed her. She watched curiously as the dog went up the neighbor’s front steps and tried to peer inside. Looking for her puppies? Elizabeth wondered. She didn’t know these neighbors well, only that they weren’t friendly, and their dog was a Coon Hound, who began to bark frantically at this intrusion.

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Maiya’s New Year’s Wish, by Marie Morton:

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Maiya Collins finds herself swept into an
unexpected holiday romance in the sun-kissed paradise of St. Croix.
Yet, a misunderstanding threatens to shatter her dreams. As the New
Year’s countdown approaches, she must confront her doubts. Can love
prevail, or will her island romance become another broken resolution?

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The Naughty List Nightmare, by Erika Kilmer Freidley:

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Love, traditions, and a mythical menace
collide as Thea and Bash get involved in a festive fight to save
Pittsburgh’s children.

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Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Edgar:

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Cinderella made her own gown and found her
Prince Charming, but will they get their fairy tale ending?

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Don’t miss your chance to purchase this collection while it is available.

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Proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization that
helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the
publishing industry.

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Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Kobo
* Smashwords
* Books2Read
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

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The authors participating in this anthology are members of First Coast
Romance Writers (FCRW), and proceeds from this anthology benefit
their organization. FCRW is a non-profit that welcomes both published
and unpublished authors, as well as any individuals involved in
writing and publishing. The chapter is dedicated to promoting
excellence in romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops
in a comfortable forum. They strive to help writers establish careers
by providing innovative programs, networking opportunities and
pertinent information on effective marketing techniques. Learn more
about FCRW online at https://www.firstcoastromancewriters.com 

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Website
* Facebook
* Twitter * Instagram
* TikTok

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

.

 

a Rafflecopter 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.



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Sea of Scars

by Frances Paul

 

Publication date: October 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance

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I lost everything. My job. My family. My life…my sanity.

In Frances Paul’s poignant and gripping novel, Sea of Scars, we are introduced to a protagonist who has hit rock bottom. His story is one of loss and despair, but also of hope and redemption. As we gear up for the much-anticipated relaunch of this compelling tale, let’s delve into the heart-wrenching journey that awaits readers.

A Story of Loss and Redemption

Sea of Scars tells the story of Zachary Reid, a man who has lost everything: his wife, his kids, and his honor, suffering a dishonorable discharge from the Marines. In his quest to prove his strength and resilience, he only managed to dig a deeper hole of despair, leading to devastating consequences for those he loved most. His refusal to seek the help he so desperately needed caused irreparable damage, leaving him in a sea of regret and guilt.

A Glimmer of Hope

Just as he starts to believe that life has abandoned him, he encounters Courtney Peterson—a stunning woman with a tumultuous history and scars that reflect his own. Their shared damage is profound, prompting him to question whether their bond represents true hope or mutual downfall. Yet, amidst these doubts, Courtney infuses his spirit with fresh vitality, sparking a faint hope that perhaps, he has received a second opportunity to amend his life.

Themes of Strength and Vulnerability

Frances Paul masterfully weaves themes of strength and vulnerability throughout Sea of Scars. The protagonist’s journey is a powerful reminder that acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking help is a true sign of strength. Courtney’s character serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even the most broken among us can find healing and redemption.

Why You Should Read Sea of Scars

The upcoming relaunch of Sea of Scars is more than just a second release; it’s an opportunity for new readers to discover a deeply moving story and for previous readers to reconnect with its powerful themes. This novel is perfect for anyone who has faced their own battles with loss and pain, and for those who believe in the power of second chances.

In addition to the relaunch of the print and digital versions, Sea of Scars will now be available as an audiobook, performed by the talented James Leitch. Leitch’s voice brings a new dimension to the story, capturing the raw emotions and complexities of each character with remarkable dedication. His performance is sure to enhance the reader’s experience, making the journey through “Sea of Scars” even more immersive and impactful.

Frances Paul’s Sea of Scars is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to overcome their own personal demons.

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the transformative journey of Sea of Scars. This is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, and with James Leitch’s captivating narration, the audiobook promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

CHAPTER ONE

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.
~ Norman Cousins

Silence filled the room, lingering for several minutes— longer than in their previous sessions. Dr. Bailey Clark glanced at the wall clock across from her seat. This was their fifth session, and nothing had changed since their first. His reluctance to open up wasn’t surprising, given her experience with severe cases like his. These therapy sessions weren’t his choice; they were court- ordered. Though she could report him as uncooperative, that wouldn’t heal his illness or solve any problems. His panic attacks and extreme anxiety could escalate into something more dangerous, and it was her responsibility to prevent that if possible.

“Zachary, this is our fifth session, and we haven’t made any headway. At some point, you’ll need to trust me. I am not here to simply report your progress to the court. I am truly alarmed and worried about you,” Dr. Clark expressed as cautiously as she could to avoid him walking out, as he did on his last visit.
She closed her notepad, removed the glasses that sat at the bridge of her pointy nose, and set them aside, hoping the gesture would create some level of comfort and trust between them.

“We can start small, as I suggested on your last visit. Let’s talk about Alison. How did you meet her?” Her voice was now measured, almost a whisper.

Her gestures loosened her client’s tense demeanor. He sighed and took his focus off the blank wall he’d been gawking at for the past fifteen minutes.

In an uncanny way, the soft gray wall brought him a sense of solace. “College, right before I enlisted.” He eyed his hands, now clasped together. “We dated for a year before we eloped. She was pregnant with our first kid. I was deployed to Western Asia on a peaceful mission before Amelia was born.”

“That’s interesting,” Dr. Clark said. “What was the motivation behind your enlistment?”

“My grandfather was a SEAL, a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. So was my great- grandfather. My father was a Marine, Brigadier General. Both served our great nation well. It was tough growing up in a family with such high expectations. From the day I was born, I was groomed to serve my country. I guess that was all the motivation I needed. Their life’s mission was accomplished when I enlisted after my eighteenth birthday.”

“Are you in contact with them?”

“That would be hard to do since they both passed away before I was deployed on my first mission.”

“Sorry to hear that. Your mother, any siblings?”

Zachary shook his head, recalling his lonely childhood being an awkward little boy who spent most of his days trapped in a treehouse playing with his military soldier toy kit. Having a fear of rejection by both sexes, making friends wasn’t his forte. He was safer trapped in his own world of seclusion. His father wasn’t an easy man to love or please, and Zachary lived in fear of disappointing him, hence his decision to enlist, hoping to please the old man. His father suffered from alcoholism and constantly ridiculed him no matter how hard he worked to appease him. When he was home, he indulged in activities that initiated violence against both Zachary and his mother. It was a story that was too painful for him to relive or communicate.

Observing his hesitation to discuss his childhood, Dr. Clark smartly took another approach. “Tell me about your first mission. Your time in Western Asia.”

Zachary slouched onto the couch and continued to eye his hands. “It only lasted a year. It was exactly as the name conveyed, peaceful. We spent days and nights patrolling small villages and protecting them from their own, the local rebels. We had an agreement with these insurgents to stay away from innocent civilians. A few of us were left behind to ensure that they kept their end of the deal. I remember thinking how tedious the mission was. I was prepared for combat, a more active operation. That dangerous duty I had dreamed of partaking in since I was a little boy playing with my military playset. So, I thought…” His expression turned somber once more.

“I don’t want to push you too hard…”

“I’d like to get this over with. You want to know about my last mission?”

“If you are up for it.” Dr. Clark picked up her notepad and clicked the back of her pen.

“It was exactly what I asked for. I served two tours before I got my other-than-honorable discharge. It was a difficult time for my family. After my first tour, I could barely sleep at night without visualizing the men I killed in combat. The vicious, ungodly, gory crimes I witnessed. The cries of women that’d lost their husbands and sons.

I suffered from severe PTSD, yet nobody cared. They only cared about defending the borders, destroying the rebels, sending you out to kill, kill, and kill. I knew I couldn’t complain because it was exactly what I wanted. I soon realized otherwise. This couldn’t possibly be the life my father and grandfather expected me to live. My mind was sick after my first kill. It was a man you could probably say deserved it. He was a member of a group that terrorized the villagers. Killed men, children, and raped their women, though killing him didn’t bring me solace but rather triggered my first stage of depression. On my second tour, I saw my colleagues being blown into pieces. Do you know what the burning of human flesh smells like? Their screams, the squeals, like wounded animals, the horror in their voices. Why was I so lucky to be alive? Is it even luck to live with such disturbing images in my mind daily?” He hunched forward and grimaced, looking utterly disheartened.

“One night, my dear friend and colleague Sgt. Pierce and I were patrolling the borders a few miles from our base. After an hour on duty, we heard gunshots coming from the base. We abandoned the post and rushed to investigate.” Zachary paused, swallowing a lump of grief. He heaved a sigh, then rubbed the back of his neck in a frantic motion. He gazed at his trembling hands and continued without meeting Dr. Clark’s eyes. “The base was ablaze, and we could hear the screams of our men as bombs detonated from all sides. I saw one of our corporals running in hysterical circles, his body engulfed in flames. I rushed to help him, but by the time I reached his side, a bullet had already pierced his head. I had to drop for cover. That was the moment I got separated from Pierce. The chaos was overwhelming, and I couldn’t see what was happening. I took down a couple of enemies as I searched for the rest of my comrades…but what I saw…” His voice trembled.

The anguish in Zachary’s voice was something Dr. Clark hadn’t encountered before. Though she’d counseled many returnees and veterans in the past, there was something uniquely haunting about his pain. It stirred a deep resolve within her to go beyond her usual efforts and truly help him through his suffering.

“What I saw will live with me for the rest of my miserable life. Scorching bodies of my colleagues, heads blown off, some decapitated. No one survived the ambush. I was obviously outnumbered, couldn’t do anything except hide like a coward. The rogues dismantled our properties and celebrated their accomplishment. They piled up the corpses of my men, bodies on bodies. Some relieved themselves on the corpses while others spat on them. A while later, a man yelled a few words in their local dialect, and the rest cheered while firing shots in the air. They dragged my friend Sgt. Pierce on the ground while he pleaded for his life.

There was nothing I could do other than whimper in the dark like the weakling I was. He was executed seconds later, beheaded while he pled.”

Zachary paused and exhaled sharply. “The executioner just tossed his head on top of the pile of bodies they had collected.”

Dr. Clark cleared her throat as she absorbed Zachary’s horrifying experience. “Do you want to take a break? We can continue in your next session. I don’t want to overwhelm you.” In truth, she needed a break from the gory details herself.

“Do you not understand what I’m saying to you, Dr. Clark? Overwhelming is when your command sergeant tells you the day after witnessing something so barbaric to get back on the field and do your job like nothing happened. It’s just another day. No time to mourn the fallen or receive proper counseling. I was sick, weak, not physically but mentally and spiritually after that ordeal. I snuck out to bars and drank every single night, even while on duty. My judgment was impaired. I didn’t know the difference between an ally and a foe. I blamed every person that crossed my path. I once strangled a man to near death because all I saw were the faces of the animals that killed my comrades. After getting into fights with my team members and the locals on a regular basis and ignoring all the warnings that were issued out to me, I was sent home. Tossed to the side like garbage. I was unmanageable, and for justifiable reasons. That’s it. They throw you back into the world, damaged or not. I couldn’t sleep, eat, or make love to my wife. My kids became strangers. My anger escalated, and yelling became a norm in my home. Everyone tiptoed around me, even my own kids. They are the enemies now. When I get my episodes, which are regularly, Alison becomes the target, and she’s been the target for the past six months. She does it well. Conceals the pain, bruises, and makes all kinds of excuses for my shameful behavior. Until recently. She couldn’t take it anymore. Now she’s seeking a divorce and, no doubt, sole custody of the kids. She is taking the one good thing I have left in this cruel world. I’m drowning, and there’s no coming back from this. So, I don’t care what you tell the courts. I’m not your charity case, so quit trying to fix something that is beyond repair. I see what you are doing, and it’s senseless.”

“You are not my charity case, and I apologize if I gave you that impression. You cannot give up and run from your problems. I get it, you might never recover from that experience, but you could try. At least for the sake of your kids.” Dr. Clark rose to her feet and treaded toward her desk. She drew a card from the Rolodex and turned back to him.

Zachary wore a permanent frown, lost in his obscure thoughts. His posture suggested defeat, and his demeanor advocated violence. He had potential to cause more havoc, and not only to his wife and kids, but to the public. There had been many cases in the news about lone gunmen, conspiracy theorists, militias, and people with depression and mental illness who caused so much grief in the world. She didn’t want to wake up one day to see the face of her patient on the news. The blood of innocent souls would be on her hands. This was a curse she couldn’t live with. She refused to give the court a reason to lock him away when there was hope. A lot of work, nonetheless she was confident.

Am I overreaching? She often questioned her sanity when faced with such complex cases. “Zachary, how would you feel about participating in a group treatment program with other servicemen with similar issues as yours? Before you say no, hear me out. The program provides a safe environment for patients to become more socially associated with others, and it offers the opportunity to build trust. Before any change can occur, we must restore your lack of faith. It wouldn’t take your pain away, I know that. As humans, we have moments when we lose all hope and are unable to believe in second chances. Relationships turn sour, people die, and we lose courage. Life is about breaking barriers and pushing through uncertainties. My words might seem trivial now, but we must begin somewhere, believing you’ll overcome this. From similar cases, I’ve learned that one-on-one treatment isn’t as effective as people often think. In group programs, you’ll interact with others who truly understand what you’re going through because they’ve lived it. I’d be lying if I said I knew exactly how you feel—despite all my degrees, I lack that personal experience. If you choose to participate, I’ll continue working with you throughout the program.”

Zachary was quiet, contemplating her proposal. The doctor was right; he was lost, living in extreme paranoia and unable to love and protect his family. He witnessed violence way before he enlisted. He felt destitute and deserted, and that needed to change. Alison was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and now she detested his very existence. While he might not be able to win her back, he could at least try. He stood and nodded at Dr. Clark.

Relieved, she passed the group counselor’s contact information to him. “You won’t regret this, Zachary.”

“Let’s hope not.”

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About Author Frances Paul:

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She’s a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Stilettos & Gunpowder organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Gail Koger will award a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

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

  Stilettos & Gunpowder

by Gail Koger

 

 

Genre: Action / Adventure / Romantic Comedy

Synopsis

My name is Gemma Stone. I’m a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy and not only must I deal with the sweat-soaked misery of the Arizona desert, I get to respond to a bunch of crazy 9-1-1 calls all day long. Like a parakeet up a tree, or a car accident where a tractor trailer full of fireworks is hit and the 4th of July comes a bit early.

But some days crime takes a deadly turn. Police cars are suddenly blowing up. Detective Sergeant Dante Delgado, the love of my life, was assigned to track down and stop the bomber. Am I worried? You betcha. There’s a madman on the loose and he is very, very good at making bombs.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Feds think I’m in cahoots with an Iraqi warlord who deals in stolen antiquities, Ichabod, my murderous ex-dance partner, escapes from prison and I’m suddenly in everyone’s crosshairs.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Someone hit the service bell on the front counter repeatedly.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding.

Julie frowned. “What the hell?”

“Hey! I want my fucking gun back,” Chief yelled.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding.

My temper flared to life. “Enough is enough.” I threw open the restroom door and stormed down the hallway.

Mom and Julie were right behind me.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding.

“It’s about fucking time. Did you hear me, or do I need to repeat myself?” Chief bellowed.

Totally ignoring my throbbing lip, I gave him my Debbie Sunshine smile. “I suggest you take it down a notch or I’ll be happy to arrest you for disturbing the peace.”

Chief sneered. “You think I’m frightened by a bunch of itty-bitty females?” His gaze crawled over my face. “And it’s obvious, you can’t fight worth a damn.”

“Wanna find out?” I challenged.

Julie stepped up. “It’s my turn to deal with obstinate jackasses who won’t listen to reason.”

“It’ll mean another arrest,” I pointed out.

Julie pulled out her cuffs. “If I book another prisoner, I meet my quota for the day, and I’ll have enough points to get that toaster oven I’ve been eyeing.”

“Oh, I thought you wanted the microwave?”

A perplexed frown on his face, Chief growled, “What the fuck are you babbling on about?”

“Hey! Wait!” Frank edged in front of me. “I haven’t met my quota for the day, let me take the arrest.”

Lucas elbowed Frank out of the way. “No, I want it. I almost have enough points to get the fishing pole.”

“Oh, hell no. I need the arrest, before someone snags the tool chest,” Jacob shot back.

Chief backed away from the counter. “You’re all fucking nuts.” He turned on his heel and left.

“Come back tomorrow and talk with Sergeant Bergman,” Julie yelled after him.

“You know, he’s right,” Sheriff Maxwell commented. “You are fucking nuts.”

Dad grinned. “Bamboozling suspects is much more fun than beating the crap out of them.”

~~~~~

About Author Gail Koger:

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I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea what a real emergency is. Take this for example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone I took up writing.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / BookBub / Amazon

Buy Link: Amazon

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Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills Banner

LETHAL STANDOFF
by DiAnn Mills
September 2-27, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

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Synopsis:
Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly.

The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle. Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer. Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.

As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.

Award winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.
Praise for Lethal Standoff:

“DiAnn Mills delivers another pulse-pounding thriller you’re going to love. Lethal Standoff combines gripping tension with a captivating mystery, skillfully woven by DiAnn’s signature storytelling. She navigates the high-stakes world of hostage rescue, proving once again why she’s a master of the genre.” ~ Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series and The Chosen novels

“In Lethal Standoff, DiAnn Mills works magic―weaving suspense and intrigue into a heart-pounding hostage thriller. Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is a hero with heart who refuses to quit even when it means risking her own life for strangers. Don’t miss this high-stakes gambit set in south Texas that will keep you flipping pages to the very end.” ~ Andrews & Wilson, bestselling authors of Dark Intercept

“Warning: do not start this book if you intend to put it down any time soon. This is a roller-coaster ride. A bullet-biter. A heart-thumper. This is DiAnn Mills at her best.” ~ Eva Marie Everson, bestselling author and CEO of Word Weavers International

“Lethal Standoff has everything I look for in a great novel! Alongside a heartwarming romance, the plot and themes of this page-turner are pulled from current events and offer a hopeful, triumphant message for readers. Highly recommended.” ~ Deborah Raney, author of Breath of Heaven in the Camfield Legacy series

Lethal Standoff Trailer:

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Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Tyndale House Publishers Publication Date: September 3, 2024 Number of Pages: 368 ISBN: 9781496485106 (ISBN10: 1496485106)

. Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Tyndale House Publishers

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Chapter One

SEPTEMBER – CARRINGTON

My role as a hostage negotiator often plunged me into the evil designs of the human mind. I embraced the responsibility and possible danger because it’s my identity— a one-woman battlefront determined to free others from victimization.

The challenge excited me, but fear of failure stalked me, and respect for human life was my constant companion. Too often innocent lives depended on my ability to negotiate their safe release without anyone getting hurt. The demands, rewards, and sometimes the defeats with tragic outcomes kept me awake at night. How could I have done things differently? My apprenticeship began when I was eight years old, but thinking about those days didn’t change the past. Right now, lives were in jeopardy. . . . I’d driven ten minutes out from a critical situation on a Wednesday afternoon when my cell phone rang. My contact, a detective from the Houston Police Department, had spent several hours talking to an angry man who held his wife and son hostage. “Carrington, we have the information you requested,” Detective Aaron Peters said. “The man inside the home is the owner, Nick Henderson. Age thirty-five. Married to Christine. He’s holding his wife and eight- year- old son at gunpoint. Yesterday, he was served divorce papers, and we believe this is in retaliation.” Hurt. Rejected. Probably a lit stick of dynamite. “You talked to him from the outside?” “We’ve routed his calls through our mobile command center. I tried talking to him. Got nowhere. He hung up on me.” Aaron blew out his frustration. Domestic calls were the most dangerous, often violent, causing me to appreciate my Kevlar vest. I had a handgun in my purse, but I could count on one hand the times I’d pulled it. Never used it. “All right. I’m nearly there. SWAT in place?” “Yes, two have clear shots. Not an action I want to take unless necessary.” “Me either. What are Henderson’s demands?” “Just to leave him alone or he’ll pull the trigger on his family.” Cool, calm focus settled on me. My ability to mediate critical discussions depended on my wearing emotional blinders to the outside world. “When did the problem start?” “The wife phoned 911 at 8:00 a.m. today. I don’t know how long he was there before she reached out to us. We’ve been called here twice in the past month for domestic abuse.” I glanced at my watch, and it neared 4:00 p.m. “Have HPD negotiators been talking to him?” “Yes. Henderson hung up on them too. He’s drinking. Slurring his words. Seems to have trouble concentrating.” Alcohol could make him more volatile. Flashing lights appeared on the residential street ahead. “I’m parking now. Give me five minutes.” “I’m standing beside my car in front of the house.” “Aaron, do you have Henderson’s work history?” “Fired three months ago from Home Depot, where he held a management role. They walked him out of the store in front of his employees.” The man definitely had nothing to lose. Phone in hand, I hurried from my parked truck and raced to where police cars barricaded the entrance to the street where Henderson held his family. A reporter blocked my way between vehicles. She rammed a mic in front of my face. “Carrington Reed, do you think this standoff will have a peaceful resolution?” My blood boiled. The last time I had verbally unleashed on her aggressive means to get the best story, she lied in her article about my concern for those in danger. I paused long enough to give her eye contact. “My goal is always a peaceful solution. Excuse me, I need to talk to HPD.” “Are the police advocating a violent takedown?” “No.” I sidestepped around her and ignored her shouts. Aaron stood in front of the home and waved. He had the appearance of average—average height, weight, gray eyes, brown hair, and shoulder span— but nothing about his physical appearance showed his intense scrutiny of a crime scene. His rating as one of HPD’s finest hit my respect button. “Good to see you. I’d like the man’s cell number,” I said. “I assume my cell phone is routed through the command center too?” “Sure thing.” He gave me the information. “The wife’s name is Christine, and the son’s name is Rand.” I nodded my thanks and pressed in the digits. A man answered on the second ring. “Nick, this is Carrington. I’m standing beside a police car outside your house, and I’d like to help you.” “I . . . leave me alone.” He spoke fast and loudly. “I’m busy.” “What do you need?” “You can get rid of all those cops. I can’t breathe.” I expected a more belligerent response. “Nick, I can’t do that. These officers are here to protect you in case someone tries to break into your home and hurt you.” “I’d kill my wife and kid first.” “Tell me why you feel that way.” “They deserve it for the way they’ve treated me.” He stumbled over his words. “I’m a good husband and dad.” “I’m sure you’re great at both. Tell me what’s hurting you.” *** Excerpt from LETHAL STANDOFF by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2024 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 weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

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

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: diannmills.com Goodreads – @diannmills BookBub – @diannmills Instagram -@diannmillsauthor YouTube – @diannmills Twitter/X – @diannmills Facebook – @diannmills Pinterest – @diannmills LinkedIn – @diannmills

 

 

Tour Participants:

Check out these amazing hosts on the tour for awesome reviews, interviews, guest posts, and chances to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

 

Win Big! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for DiAnn Mills. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

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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.

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 For it is written in the stars…

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The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper

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The Star Writers Trilogy Book 1

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by Mary K. Savarese

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Genre: Fantasy Adventure, Romance

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 Alice may have fallen through the looking glass and created a
relationship with the Cheshire Cat, but it was twelve-year old Tyler
who falls into the toile wallpaper and unwittingly bonds with
thirteen cats.

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Want Fantasy, Adventure, Romance?

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Lyly’s heart yearns for true love
until family loyalty is betrayed by a greedy Noble.
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Imprisoned by the evil Wizard, she became The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper.

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That is, until fate beckons…

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Will the young American tourist Tyler Charles remember his class physics
in time to reverse the ancient curse and save the love of his life?
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Mary K. Savarese, an award winning author created another world for her readers to enjoy.

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Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

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Prologue

 

It is said, “Where evil rages, hope prevails.” This is not about evil for hope shall find a way …

 

He watched as the dark shadows swirled across the room. A wind, as strong as a summer tornado, spun and yet moved nothing. Dante hid in the shadows and the sound of squalls raged through his ears. He inched his way toward the massive windows and darted behind the heavy drapery. His heart raced and he gasped when shards of light flashed through the room and threatened his reality. When a lightning bolt shattered, he winced and stepped deeper into the folds of the fabric. Standing in the middle of the study, a boy held tightly to a girl in his arms. Dante wanted to help them but how? The evil man’s robe glimmered with each wave of his arm. Dante watched in horror as the man threw the sheets of paper onto the floor. His long, golden fingernails glowed in the dim light. As the pages floated, each piece crawled toward the couple as if alive. Awkward sounds filled Dante’s ears as ghost-like buildings hovered through the air as if they were nothing more than a whisp of smoke. Now, a medieval scene flashed before his eyes, and the curtains vibrated in his hands. A flicker of an olive tree and then a farmhouse and then a vineyard … are those sheep? Dante tried to inch closer but his feet refused to move. He was glued in place behind the drapes. The ghostly objects disappeared into the paper and he trembled in terror. The shadows formed into a miniature print, each arranging itself according to the direction of the evil man. The man was painting a distressing scene through the movements of his symphonic hands. The wizard swiped along the floor and the girl was jerked into the air. She hovered for only a moment before spinning as easily as a spinning wheel. Then as if no friction ever existed, the girl screamed and the wind sucked her into the cloth paper … the girl was gone…

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The Star Writers Club

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The Star Writers Trilogy Book 2

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The perfect summer read!

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Enjoy Book II of The
StarWriters Trilogy, 
The StarWriters Club; following
the 2021 release of the award winning fiction novel, The Girl in
the Toile Wallpaper (Book I). The Girl in the Toile
Wallpaper explores the fantasy genre, with mysterious worlds,
magic cats and romances through the ages. Set in the medieval Tuscan
cities of Siena and Florence, Italy, readers will relish in the rich
detail and beautiful scenes presented by Savarese.

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The StarWriters Club follows twelve new arrivals to the band that
surrounds Heaven. Together, they must train to deliver His Plan to
the stars.

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But when the evil Beck decides otherwise, the
StarWriters are called into action to save three members who were
just sucked through the gates and into the pits of Hell.

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Follow our StarWriters as they trek across the villages of the band and
learn how His Plan is distributed by those working in His Plan room.
Will the good/evil clocks continue to click toward evil, or will our
StarWriters prevail and turn the fate of time?

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It is only by combining their strengths and wisdom not yet learned that they
just might succeed. Perhaps by accepting their last few moments on
Earth, they might endure what awaits. For it is Written in the
Stars!

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Amazon
* Goodreads

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I was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, going on to earn a business
degree in accounting from City University, NY. Soon after I found
myself working in insurance and financing and went on to marry my
wonderful husband. We moved to New England.

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I have spent thirteen years as
a religious education teacher and have lived and worked in New York,
Connecticut, and Massachusetts. For the past decade, I have served as
a Eucharistic minister at my local Catholic church, bringing the
Eucharist to community nursing homes. After raising a family in CT,
my husband and I became Florida Residents though continue to spend
time in CT where I continue in my ministry.

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My debut novel is a
contemporary Spiritual Mystery that transcends three genres: Mystery,
Spirituality, and Romance. I love to write imaginative stories for
all ages! I hope you enjoy this story and look out for more to
follow! Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who
knew!)has received 5 Stars from Readers’ Favorites and global award
from Royal DragonFly.

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Website
* Facebook
* X * Instagram
* Bookbub
* Amazon
* Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter 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.

.

 ATOMICA – BETWEEN SEA AND SKY, is a compelling saga of love, duty,
and sacrifice set against the stunning backdrop of a lush tropical
island— where the line between hero and villain blurs in the
shadows of a forgotten world.

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Atomica – Between Sea and Sky

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Atomica Book 1

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by Heather McKenzie

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Genre: YA SciFi Fantasy Romance

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 “Never judge based on appearances. Sometimes the most unassuming
can be the deadliest.”

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A compelling saga
of love, duty, and sacrifice set against the stunning backdrop of a
lush tropical island—where the line between hero and villain blurs
in the shadows of a forgotten world…

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In a land
ravaged by ancient vendettas, nineteen-year-old Eva has vowed to
protect Zoleya, a petite, blue-eyed girl with a powerful gift. But
when a catastrophic shipwreck strands her on a mysterious tropical
island and Zoleya disappears, Eva is forced to abandon her duty and
form alliances with a group of castaways to survive. While facing the
island’s perils and a corrupt band of Raiders intent on her
capture, Eva fights to reclaim her title as Zoleya’s
Guardian.

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Kade Thorn, a hunter programmed to seek and
destroy all remnants of forbidden technology, battles his opposing
impulses. Bound by ancient markings etched into his skin that incite
violence, he finds himself torn between blindly obeying his directive
or pursuing a powerful attraction to Eva, knowing either choice will
get him killed.

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Forced to rely on each other, Eva and Kade
seek refuge deep within the island’s jungle and become conflicted
about where their loyalties lie. Will they find their way back to
their predetermined paths or forge a new destiny together? The fate
of Zoleya—the catalyst to either save the world or destroy it—hangs
in the balance.

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I had no idea how many days had passed when the ship began losing battle with a raging storm. All of us being held captive by the Raiders had gone through hell and back already, so this was an additional layer of torture. We were all hurting and scared to bits, yet the sea couldn’t care less—it was going to drown us one way or another.

And maybe that was a blessing.

As I watched Zoleya from across the cage, water began dripping down from the oily planks overhead and between the unbreakable iron bars. We were in the belly of the ship, the women cowering in the corner either praying or crying, and the men moaning in agony and fear. I was helpless to do anything, only able to watch dried blood turn to tiny red rivers on Zoleya’s skin as she became soaked to the bone. Our journey across Aldira had been hellacious, to say the least, but being responsible for the state she was in felt worse than a million knives slicing up my heart. I was supposed to protect her, and I had failed.

“We’ll be okay,” said a doe-eyed woman with arms and legs thin as toothpicks. All her front teeth were broken, making her hard to understand. “The storm will pass soon.”

Normally I’d respect someone who was just trying to be comforting, but that was a bald-faced lie.

One of the men chained up across from me snorted in disgust. “Delusional,” he said and spat, adding to the slimy water lapping at our toes.

We could all hear the Raiders up on deck losing battle with the violent weather and churning seas, panic thick in their voices as they yelled “Secure the lashings” and “Man overboard.”

As water inched past our ankles and up our calves, Zoleya’s gaze met mine. The light from the quivering lanterns danced in her irises. She was so pale. The sky-blue sundress she favored torn and splattered with filth. Her long white hair hung loose down to her hips, clinging to her petite frame—I hadn’t had a chance to braid it for the day before we’d been captured.

“Calla is correct,” she said, agreeing simply to provide an extra ray of hope. But Zo was bad at lying. Her lip always quivered. “Things will be just fine. Our journey will come to an end soon,” she added.

Well, that was at least true. Soon we’d all be dead.

“If you mean that we’re going to drown, then so be it,” a giant of a man with sores all over his face practically growled at her. “I’d rather die at sea than on Cal de Mac. Drowning would be better than what the Raiders will put us through if we make it to their homeland.”

He was right. The women would be sold as slaves, and the men and I, with our wrists chained over our heads and ankles shackled together, would be forced to fight in the arenas until our last breath. Being captured by these thieves of the land and pirates of the sea was a certain death sentence, and I saw no way out.

The wind howled like a million wounded Black-Blooded, shrill and curling up tight to my eardrums. As the ship seemed to break apart, I thought of Mom, of Delia, and of Father, their graves dug deep in the toxic Aldiran dirt. Then I prayed to a god who never had a moment to spare for me, begging her to magically transport me back to the cabin with the little woodstove and bury my body next to theirs.

Those who were not chained up in the cage toppled into each other as the ship crested a wave before dipping sharply downward and then leveling out. Lightning crackled through the sky. Someone let out a heart-wrenching wail… I couldn’t just hang here like a carcass waiting to be gutted, I had to try to do something. Anything.

Tugging on my restraints caused the shackles to dig deep into my wrists. A sickly warmth trickled down my arms. I nearly passed out from the pain, but I kept tugging; at least I would die with honor trying to save Zoleya.  

“They can’t be barbaric enough to leave us down here to drown,” said a woman with a small child clinging to her legs.

A man across from me with black greasy curls let out a pained laugh. “Oh, but they are.” His voice was raw with hatred and his face was bruised, one eye nearly swollen shut. “Raiders are no better than the maggots swimming in your dinner.”

Crates full of stolen food, weapons, silks, and spices slammed into each other, releasing a plume of crushed cloves into the dank air. Someone up on deck shrieked and the wind shrieked back. I wondered if we had minutes. Seconds even. If I had to rip my hands off I would.

“Eva. Stop that, please,” Zoleya pleaded.

If I could only break some bones then maybe—

“Aye, stop for heaven’s sake!” said a massive man directly across from me with hair as red as the blood leaking from his broken nose. His skin was black with filth. His clothes were rags. “It’s bad enough we be trapped in here together. Watching ye torture yourself is making it worse. Besides, even if ye git free, there ain’t nothing a wee missy such as yourself can do. You be just a girl.”

My pulse throbbed at my temples; how many times had I heard that before? “Don’t you think there’s a reason I’m chained up like the rest of you?”

The redhead had some sort of answer perched on the tip of his tongue, but the sea spoke first. With another shriek, it dragged its salty claws along the sides of the ship, grabbed hold, and wrenched it to the left. A barrel tipped over, mixing brine and writhing squid into the rising water. More clearly than ever, we could hear the frantic voices of the crew dancing with death above while we waited for it below.

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 I am Canadian, born and raised in Alberta on a lovely acreage just
outside of Edmonton to musical parents. I began my arts career as a
musician, leaving home at the age of fifteen to play in a rock band,
then went on to become a singer/songwriter. I wrote songs and told
stories with melodies, lucky enough to tour Canada and record four
studio albums, as well as work as a studio musician. I spent years
singing my heart out. However, when I discovered the limitless
creativity of novel writing, I shifted my focus to a literary career.
My extraordinary experiences as a musician continue to fuel my
writing. I am deeply inspired by art and profoundly humbled by the
creativity of others. Creating is a fundamental part of my life, and
expressing myself through storytelling is incredibly important to me.
I strive to transport readers to different places or provide them
with a companion for three hundred pages, impacting them as my
favorite writers and artists have impacted me.

.

I like to write
about deeply flawed characters with relatable struggles and how they
react in extraordinary circumstances. The Rocky Mountains and the
wonders of nature greatly inspire me, and I love to explore the
juxtaposition of these settings with urban landscapes. My novels are
characterized by action, adventure, lots of romance, and unexpected
twists. I like to put my characters in unique settings and fully
explore their motivations while drawing heavily on my personal
experiences.

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I am honored to be
represented by Elizabeth Winick Rubinstein of McIntosh and Otis, one
of the USA’s longest-running literary agencies, representing
remarkable authors such as the late John Steinbeck and Harper Lee. As
a ‘hybrid’ author, Elizabeth represents my adult works, while I
represent my young adult works. I am determined not to limit myself
to one specific genre and hope to follow in the footsteps of authors
who have achieved success this way, as I value the artistic freedom
it affords.

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At present, I have
four published novels; Serenade, Nocturne and Rhapsody, all which
have achieved bestseller status in digital sales. My newest novel,
Atomica: Between Sea and Sky, was just released on August 27, 2024,
and is the first book in a new young adult fantasy series.

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Website
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The Kingdom of Shadows and Wolves

by Martha Sweeney

 

(Stardust & Shadows, #1)
Publication date: August 27th 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Being raised by the viper who slaughtered my family, along with being beaten and berated by him for merely existing, takes a toll on my heart and soul. Uncle bears the crown, has changed the name of our kingdom Soare to Krigare, and desires more destruction throughout the Fae lands. While plotting his quest to rule all, I’m bartered to forge a union with Cysgod, a formidable ally and one who could ensure Uncle’s victory. King Caelum of Cysgod has a reputation that precedes him, defining him as a tyrant as well. He killed his father for the crown and is known to be just a ruthless and bloodthirsty as Uncle.

Just when I thought the Gods had forsaken me, as they did the Enkeli and Conroicht, my life turns upside down. While I fear my new king, he and his people see me as their queen. Though he does not punish me, I expect it nonetheless and flinch at his touch.

I may be rid of Uncle, but I doubt his hold on me is truly released. Does he plan to capture Cysgod from the inside, using me as his weapon, giving him the army he needs to take and conquer any kingdom? Is there a way to stop Uncle and seek revenge for the death of my kin?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Your name does not fit you, my soon-to-be King,” I state. “Your father surely didn’t expect his son who is named of the heavens, where our beloved Gods reside, to take his crown by force. Did you go rabid like the Conroicht? Perhaps he should have named you—”

His grip tightens around my fingers and I’m forced to stop speaking and walking when he does. I dare not look at him, knowing I have spoken out of turn.

There isn’t a sound other than his controlled breath in and out of his nostrils.

“I have heard the rumors, King Caelum.” My stare pierces the floor. “I know a wolf in a sheep’s hide even if that wolf is a kingdom away.”

“One would almost say the same of your beloved Uncle,” he jabs.

I snicker. “Beloved is a word that has never been used to describe him.”

A hand wraps around my throat and I’m pushed against the stone wall. “You know little of me, Princess Aurora. Mind your words or I will seek pleasure in punishing you.”

My chin raises. “You know little of me.”

King Caelum’s attention lowers from my face. My dagger, which was hidden against my thigh, is pressed against the bottom of his leather chest guard. A low chuckle reverberates from him.

“With the tip of my hand like so,” I state, lowering my wrist an inch. “I merely need to press up and I will wound you greatly.”

“Princess Aurora,” Kion chides, stepping closer.

King Caelum growls at the guard who backs down a second later. “I know more about you, my soon-to-be Queen of Cysgod than you realize.”

“Not enough to know that I was armed and—”

He snarls like the wolf he is which cuts me off. “Three punishments so far, Princess Aurora. The odds gain in my favor.”

“Three?” I scoff.

The fire in his eyes intensifies. “First, for calling me a coward. Second, for calling me a wolf. And now, the attempt on my life.”

“Your life?” I balk. “You and your guards outnumber me. If you wanted, I would be dead and my blade wouldn’t be where it is.”

“Precisely.” His grip tightens around my neck, his thumb pressing into the bottom of my chin. “You pose no threat to me.”

“That is what Uncle would wish you to believe,” I inform. “Who was kneeling to whom earlier today? Not one Krigare guard rose when either of us stood, not that they have ever risen for me other than to escort me somewhere.” A yelp rushes out of me when my weapon-wielding hand is pinned against the wall. My gaze darts to its proximity and I swallow the lump in my throat when I realize its tip is a mere inch from my eye.

A devious smirk tugs at his lips as King Caelum chuckles deeply. “I’ll very much enjoy the punishments you will receive from me when we are afforded the time.”

Indignantly, I reply, “I’m certain it won’t be worse than what Uncle has done to me.”

King Caelum releases me, returning my dagger to the inside of my left thigh. I’m speechless as his fingers graze my skin and linger longer than needed. Should he lift his fingers barely an inch, he will touch a place no Fae male has ever touched. “We shall see, Princess Aurora.”

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About Author Martha Sweeney:

Martha Sweeney is a BESTSELLING author who writes in a variety of genres: romance (contemporary, romcom, suspense, paranormal and historical), suspense, fantasy, thriller, coloring books, and soon, science fiction. She strives to push herself as a storyteller with each new tale and hopes to push her readers outside of their comfort zone whether it be genre or the stories themselves.

With a B.S. in Psychology, Martha utilizes her knowledge of human and animal behavior successfully in the business world and in her writing to present realistic characters and situations. She’s been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts, so her venture into being an author was a natural transition.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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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.