Archive for the ‘thriller’ Category

Fateful Connections follows a group of four CEO’s as they gather for an executive conference in Seattle on September 11, 2001, attempting to reach home following the day’s catastrophic events, besieged by terrorists of a different kind…

 

 

 

Title: Fateful Connections

Author: Karen Charles

Publisher: BookBaby

Pages: 91

Genre: Thriller

 

Fateful Connections tells the story of four people brought together by the tragic events of 9/11 in the United States. These four individuals were attending a conference in Seattle, Washington, and found it nearly impossible to make it back to their homes, which were scattered across the country. They decide to rent a car and drive together, as they cannot get any flights home. As rental cars are also impossible to come upon, they find a friend who has access to a repossessed car, which he is willing to rent out. Unbeknownst to the friends, the rightful owner of the car wants his car back, and as they find out, hidden inside the car are drugs and guns. What ensues is a dangerous journey which impacts the four friends’ lives forever. The story follows them on their harrowing journey home, then one and two years later as they meet up for an annual reunion.

The strengths of this story are the easy-to-read narrative and compelling plot. The author introduces four intriguing main characters, as well as a number of antagonists, who hunt down the friends and engage in dangerous and illegal plans to not only recapture their guns and drugs, but also kill the friends so there are no witnesses to their illegal activities. The reader is instantly drawn into the storyline, and moves along with the characters as they experience fear, joy, love, and relief. The plot is compelling, and the reader cannot help but become invested in the lives of these four main characters.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41WDECT

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MY REVIEW

This wasn’t a very long book so it was a quick read.  The thrilling plot made it even faster. Four ordinary businessmen, on a day that shocked everyone around the world, get tangled up with some nefarious criminals through no fault of their own. When they finally arrive home they think it’s all over. But, not so fast. They were followed.

I enjoyed Fateful Connections. I found myself connecting with the characters. Even connecting a bit with the big, bad wolf. Though I wasn’t pulling for him to succeed. This was indeed a thriller. There was a whirlwind of action. And what a crazy ending.

4 STARS

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Book Excerpt  

President Bush was making another announcement. The Federal Aviation Administration had issued the first national ground stop in US history, prohibiting departures for all civilian aircraft. After the third hijacked plane struck the Pentagon, all aircraft were ordered to land at the nearest airport. Three and a half hours after the first plane hit, all US airspace was clear.

Suddenly, Ethan, who had been unusually quiet, jumped to his feet. “Our flights!” he yelled. “We don’t have any way to get home!”

The room was silent. “Maybe we could rent a car,” Harper suggested.

Henry sprang into action, calling every car rental agency in Seattle. Nothing was available. Dismayed, he sank into his chair. “What are we going to do now?”

After thoughtful silence, Owen spoke up. “I have a friend over on Yesler Way who repossesses cars. Maybe he might have an idea what we could do.”

Everyone agreed, hoping for a solution to their transportation dilemma. Ethan had to get home to San Jose, California; Owen to Santa Clarita, California; Harper to Phoenix, Arizona; and Henry to Austin, Texas. All of them, industry-leading CEOs of No. 1 ranked companies, had flown in to attend this elite executive conference.

Owen interrupted a conversation about the ramifications of air travel being halted. “My friend Jimmy says he has a car we can use. They don’t usually rent them, but in these unusual circumstances, he doesn’t see any problem. It was repossessed a while ago, so the guy has had lots of time to make up his payments. Jimmy said we can pick it up anytime.”

“Wait a minute,” objected Ethan. “Are you sure it’s legal?”

“We don’t have any other options,” confirmed Owen.

“Let’s pack, get some sleep, and leave in the morning,” instructed Henry, always the leader.

Jimmy had the car ready for them early the next day.

“What happens if that guy gets the money and comes back for his car?” asked Ethan, still worried about this being a smart idea.

“He’s probably got another set of wheels by now,” answered Jimmy. “Don’t think we’ll ever see his ugly face again!”

 

 

More…

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

 

Karen Charles is a children’s book author and educator. She lives with her husband on a beautiful bay in Washington State. Her latest book is the thriller, Fateful Connections.

Website / Twitter

 

 

 

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You Killed My Wife
by A J Wilton

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June 13, 2023 Book Blast
Synopsis:
 
Mort’s first goal on returning home to Brisbane after retiring from the armed forces is to investigate his wife’s death…

With a post-mortem trail that presents him with scandalous industrial espionage and both police and political corruption within Queensland, Mort finds his colleague Pig is the only one he can trust as he delves into the depths of putrid filth in his home state. Together, they must combat this insidious situation, battle not only rife politics and procedures but also outlaw bikie gangs out to protect their own interests. With a skillset learned from the front-line military, Mort and Pig’s journey is filled with intrigue and danger and ultimately comes to a climax that will see them at the brink of their own existence with only the air in their lungs to keep them alive… One answer has many questions…

Praise for You Killed My Wife:

“A great read… Suspenseful and exciting with every turn of the page and well researched and captivating characters… Excellent…” ~ Daniel, Indie Book reviewer

Book Details:

Genre: Australian Thriller Published by: Shawline Publishing House Publication Date: June 2023 Number of Pages: 320 ISBN: 9781922993045 (ISBN10: 1922993042) Series: You Killed My Wife, Book 1 Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Shawline Publishing House

Enjoy this peek inside:

1.

‘You killed my wife.’ There, I had said it. Finally, after all these months of wondering how it would sound. It was out there. The reaction was about what I had expected. Dillion Benson turned his focus to me and was about to tell me to ‘F … off’ no doubt, but seeing me, he stopped. It had certainly stilled the various conversations amongst his group (and some surrounding groups as well). Benson wasn’t the first to respond. Joe Lancaster, his boss and the detective inspector, responded, ‘And who might you be?’ ‘He knows,’ I said, nodding at Benson. Benson looked at me and asked, ‘Mort?’ He offered his hand, and I nodded and shook hands with who I believed was my wife’s killer. He continued, ‘It was an accident – the coroner has signed off on it. But I must say I am truly sorry for your loss.’ I did not say anything, just stared at him, making him and some of his colleagues uncomfortable. I am a big man and admit I do know how to intimidate. Another of his colleagues, whose name I wasn’t sure of, piped up. ‘What do you care? You didn’t even make the funeral.’ I turned the stare onto him, causing an increase in the tension Eventually, I replied, ‘The Army were unable to extract me, didn’t even tell me she had been killed until our mission was complete.’ I continued to stare at him, gradually broadening my look to include the Detective Inspector and Benson, and said, ‘I have read the coroner’s report. I find it intriguing it is not mentioned anywhere that you are a serving policeman, or that a blood test was carried out. So that alone makes the report interesting reading.’ I let that hang, slowly placing my empty glass on their table without breaking eye contact with Benson. I said As I left, I told him, ‘You will be seeing me again.’ Upon this, I left the bar and the pub. There, I have set the ball rolling – let the dice fall where they will. If I had known then what those four words, ‘You killed my wife,’ would lead to, would I have uttered them? You betcha! *** Excerpt from You Killed My Wife by A J Wilton. Copyright 2023 by A J Wilton. Reproduced with permission from A J Wilton. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author A J Wilton:

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A J Wilton

A J Wilton is an Australian small businessman with two thriving businesses who turned to writing through the quieter times brought on by Covid. He describes himself as a ‘Hobby Author’ fitting this into his already time-poor days. To date he has written two novels in his series about Mort and Pig in what is planned to be a series of five. He lives in the Gold Coast hinterland in Queensland. He and his wife, both inveterate travellers, look forward to exploring somewhere new, with A J able to indulge his other hobby of landscape photography. He has three adult children and three grandchildren.

Catch Up With A J: www.AJWilton.com Goodreads Instagram – @aj_wilton_author Facebook – @AJWiltonAuthorOfficial

 

 

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Dying Declaration: A Legal Thriller
by Solange Ritchie

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Dying Declaration: A Legal Thriller
3rd in Series
Setting – Florida
Stony Hill Publishers (November 30, 2019)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1670430324
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1670430328
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B082733F4W

Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers is FBI Forensic pathologist and special agent with an uncanny sixth sense for bringing murders to justice.

During a vacation in Belize with her young son, Joey, Cat gets a phone call from her boss. Young prostitutes are being picked up, murdered and left for dead in the Florida Everglades. The first victim does not fit the killer’s modus operandi. She was a legal secretary working for the Fort Lauderdale based international law firm, Black and Knight.

As Cat investigates this and other deaths, they lead back to the firm’s henchmen and to its partners. With the help of another firm employee, Cat discovers a secret web of murder, illicit drugs, prostitution, sex trafficking, corruption and more. The firm’s partners intend to kill anyone who can lead the law back to them, including Cat.

As the body count grows, powerful people will make decisions that will change lives. Decisions that will destroy families. As Cat uncovers the conspiracy, only one partner, the mastermind, will become Cat’s ally. She will walk away, after seeing that the others are brought to justice.

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Check out this excerpt from Chapter 10:

Cat can see Miss Jennings is nervous.

She is fidgeting in the seat, messing with things in her purse.

“What is going on?”

“I think I am being followed.”

“Yes, you already said that.” Cat does not want to seem impatient, but she is. “Who would be following you?”

“I don’t know who they are, but ever since Anna went missing, I feel like I am being watched. There has been a black sedan I have never seen that is parked on my street when I get home at night. The windows are tinted so dark, I can’t even tell if there is someone in the car. And when I am going to work and coming from work, a similar-looking car has been following me. Far enough behind that they do not think I can see them, but I know they are there.” Miss Jennings’ explanation comes rapid-fire. “I don’t know who they are, but I know they want to hurt me.” She perspires even though the AC is on full blast.

Cat wonders if this is all a figment of an overactive imagination, but she continues to listen.

“This all started after Anna went missing. At first, I just dismissed it. I figured I was imagining things. Maybe I was watching too many action movies late at night. Or someone new had moved into my neighborhood with the black car. I thought it was all in my mind. But then I started to think about it. No one has had a ‘For Sale’ sign up on any of the houses on my block. And I know all my neighbors. No one new has moved in. I don’t recall seeing anyone new when I take my dog for a walk. My neighbors would have told me if there was someone new or if a friend was visiting. I have lived in that neighborhood for over fifteen years. Everyone knows everyone.” She takes in a deep breath, exhaled and continued. “And even though I can’t see the face, I sense that there is someone sitting in that car watching when I leave for work and when I get home. It’s spooked me.”

Miss Jennings pauses long enough this time to allow Cat to ask some questions.

“You say this started after Anna went missing?”

“Yes, the very next day is when the black sedan showed up by my house.”

“I noticed in Ms. Perez’s file that it didn’t match what Mr. Pierce was telling me. Do you know anything about that?”

“Huh?” was all Miss Jennings could manage. “What?”

“Well, your boss, Mr. Pierce, seems to have a different story to tell about Ms. Perez. He said she was fired by her prior employer and he seemed to suggest it was because of sexual misconduct, but he didn’t say so. He said she was a flirt who liked to pal around with the firm’s young male associates and associate herself with them, if you know what I mean. He made a lot of disparaging remarks about a dead woman who could hardly defend herself. But when I looked at her employment file the other day, none of that appeared true.”

Miss Jennings’ face is flushed. “That’s ridiculous. It’s a lie. All of it.”

“Pierce is lying about it. Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know, but I can tell you something is not right at that law firm.”

“Why do you say that?” Cat asks.

“Well, for starters, Thomas Pierce never does a bit of legal work. You’ve seen the man’s office. Spotless. I’ve never seen him work on a client’s legal file. But there are files that he keeps locked in his office. No one is allowed to see them except him and the other partners and Isabella. And the only time those files ever see any action is when there is a partners’ meeting. The partners’ meetings happen once a month, behind locked doors. Always done on the last Friday of the month at ten a.m. and only in his office. That is the only time that those files ever come out. The only reason I know about them is that there is a vague reference to them in the partners’ meeting minutes, which I type up every Friday afternoon after the meeting is over.”

Cat says nothing.

“So, there is that.” Miss Jennings continues to spew information. “And there is the fact that Isabella Arsovska attends each of these meetings. She is not even a partner of the firm. Why is she even there?”

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About Solange Ritchie

BORN ON THE BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL ISLAND of Jamaica to a Jamaican father and a French mother, Solange Ritchie (then Solange Levy) immigrated to the United States at age eleven. Since then, she has become a dynamic force for change. Fed up with thrillers that start with a fizzle and longing to see more powerful women as lead characters, Solange decided to create her own characters. Despite the demands of a busy legal career, she accomplished her ambitious goal by rising each morning to write before work, dedicating her weekends to writing, and even spending her vacation time writing. Solange is fortunate to have traveled to over 19 countries in her lifetime.

Words have always been Solange’s passion – now so more than ever.

Solange achieved a successful writing career while doing “last minute trial,” mostly in Southern California. Dubbed “the Case Saver,” Solange handled intense legal motions that either make or break a case, especially in the areas of business, labor, and employment law. In 2014, she received the State Bar of California’s Solo and Small Firm’s Section’s highest award, the Myer J. Sankary Attorney of the Year Award. It is given to only one attorney each year in California.

When Solange was just thirty-seven years old, her first husband, John, died due to gross medical negligence at a leading Southern California hospital. This life-altering experience helped shape her into the person she is today. She began writing creatively to deal with the stress of his hospitalization and his death.

Solange’s first psychological thriller, The Burning Man, featuring FBI forensic pathologist Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers was published in 2015. Her second novel in the series, Firestorm, was released to critical acclaim, on May 15, 2018. Dying Declaration is the third novel in the Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers series. Bomb Blast is Solange’s fourth novel in the series. Solange plans at least two more books in the Dr. Catherine Powers series. A fan of things that go bump in the night, Solange has also penned a Southern Gothic novel called Fiona’s Box, which will be released shortly.

Solange lives in Southern Florida. She enjoys traveling, writing, gardening, time with her family, as well as good food and conversation. Solange is available for speaking engagements. She especially enjoys talking with book clubs. To receive her Sunday blog post, Notes from Solange, just go to her author website, www.solangeritchie.com, and leave your e-mail address. Nothing negative or political is ever posted. Her author website, www.authorsolange.com, includes a blog, reviews, recipes, events, and the latest on Solange’s adventures. Solange welcomes your comments, reviews, and suggestions, and invites you to contact her at:

Author website / Legal website / Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter / Twitter

Purchase Links – AmazonB&NBooks-a-MillionBookshop.org 

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Today Kathleen Fine, CamCat Books, and Rockstar Book Tours are
revealing the cover for GIRL ON TRIAL, his new Urban Fantasy which releases October
24, 2023! Check out the awesome cover and enter the giveaway!

 

On to the reveal!

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GIRL ON TRIAL

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 by Kathleen Fine

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Pub. Date: October 24, 2023

Publisher: CamCat Books

Formats:  Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 304

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Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N, Bookshop, Indigo, BAM 

 

Does doing one bad thing make you a
bad person?

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Sixteen-year-old Emily Keller, known
by the media as Keller the Killer, is accused of causing the deaths of four
family members, including young children. Emily is one of the youngest females
to be accused of a crime so heinous, making this the nation’s biggest trial of
the year. But what really happened that fateful night―and who’s responsible―is
anything but straightforward.

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Living in a trailer park in Baltimore
with her twin brother and alcoholic mother, Emily’s life hasn’t been easy.
She’s had to grow up fast, and like any teen, has made questionable decisions
in a desperate attempt to fit in with her peers. Will her mistakes amount to a
guilty verdict and a life in prison? It’s up to the jury to decide.

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For readers who enjoy Luckiest
Girl Alive
 by Jessica Knoll, 13 Reasons Why by Jay
Asher, and One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus.

 

 

Enjoy this peek inside:

 

1

Trial Day 1: January 7, 2019

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The alarm on Emily’s phone chimed just as Sophie whispered in
her ear, “Wake up, Emawee. Wake up.” She opened her eyes widely, her body
covered in sweat, her sheets soaked yet again. “Time to wake up.” She
heard Sophie’s whisper get farther away, humming distantly from somewhere in
her dreams.

From somewhere in her nightmares.

As she turned off the alarm, she tried to overlook the
numerous text messages that’d surfaced from numbers she didn’t recognize.

“Die, killer”

“You’ll pay in hell for what you did.”

“Murderer”

How can people I don’t even know want me dead?

With shaky hands, she deleted the texts as a CNN report
popped up on her screen, updating her on the “Trial of the Year,” that was
beginning that day:

CNN Breaking News

The Biggest Trial of the Year Begins Today, January 7, 2019.
Emily Keller, also known by the media as Keller the Killer, is accused of
causing the deaths of four family members, two of them small children. Only 16
years old, Emily is one of the youngest females to be accused of a crime so
heinous.

Emily buried her face in her pillow, taking a deep breath.
She tried to hold back the habitual tears that were creeping out from the
corners of her eyes. I have to be strong today; no crying, she told
herself as she rubbed her temples slowly. I need to put on my protective
armor, or I’ll never make it through today alive.
She reached under her
mattress, grabbed her orange pill bottle and gave it a shake, the rattling
sound of the tablets comforting her. She poured two pills onto her clammy palm
and placed them gently on her tongue. Protective armor.

“Emily?” her brother, Nate, quietly inched open the bedroom
door, “You awake? It’s time to start getting ready for court.”

Without looking up at him, she nodded as she rolled out of
bed, trying not to think about how wrong the prosecution had the facts and how
she could be sent to prison because of it. As she attempted to walk toward the
door, her ankle monitor snagged on her lavender bedsheet. She yanked the sheet
off in frustration and dragged her feet to the bathroom to prepare for the
first day of her new life.

Debbie and Nate were already waiting for her in Debbie’s
rumbling Toyota Camry when she stepped out of the trailer.

“It’s your turn for shotgun.” Emily opened the door to the
backseat where Nate was already buckled in.

“You can take it today,” he muttered, avoiding eye contact
with her.

“I don’t need pity shotgun just because I’m on trial for
murder, Nate,” Emily replied curtly as she reluctantly sat down in the front
seat. As she buckled her seat belt, she already regretted scolding Nate for
doing something kind. I’ll apologize to him later, she told herself.
Nate had been up with her until three o’clock that morning, listening to her
cry and consoling her. I don’t deserve him, she thought, squeezing her
eyes shut.

She rolled down her window and took a deep breath of fresh
morning air as her mom lit a Virginia Slim, her hands trembling. “Morning vodka
shot hasn’t kicked in yet?” Emily muttered under her breath as she turned on
the radio. Or maybe one shot doesn’t cut it anymore, Emily thought.

“What hasn’t kicked in?” Debbie asked as she ashed her
cigarette into an empty coke can, oblivious to Emily’s disrespectful comment.

“Coffee hasn’t kicked in yet?” Emily corrected herself as she
investigated her face in the cracked side mirror of the car. The face staring
back at Emily was swollen from weeks of nonstop crying. Although she’d put on
some of her mom’s waterproof mascara, she still looked like someone had run her
over with a truck. You’re so repulsive, she thought as she tried to comb
her drab chestnut hair with her fingers, squinting at her image through the
cracked glass. She wanted to disappear. Sink down into the seat of the car and
disappear forever.

As she pinched her upper cheekbones to give her face some
color, she glanced at Nate through the corner of the broken mirror, hoping he couldn’t
tell she was staring at him through the mosaic lens. Since he had headphones in
his ears, she assumed he was listening to a news podcast about the trial. The
expression on his face looked like it was straining to stay calm, but she could
read his emotions no matter how hard he tried to hide them. When you shared a
womb with someone, you knew everything they were feeling.

There was actually supposed to be three of them. Her dad had
left when he’d found out Debbie was pregnant with triplets. He’d said since he
didn’t want one baby, he definitely didn’t want three. Emily used to sometimes
think about how different her life would’ve been if their other brother hadn’t
died at birth. Maybe he would’ve punched Tom Swanson for dumping her two years
ago since Nate didn’t do a thing about it. Maybe he would’ve taught Emily to
throw a football since Nate was anti-athletics.

Maybe he could’ve stopped Emily before she lost herself.
Maybe he could’ve stopped this whole situation. Maybe no one would have died.

“Valerie told us to meet her around back when I spoke to her
on the phone last night,” Emily directed her mom as they pulled up to the
courthouse. Debbie nodded as she navigated her ancient car around to the back
of the building, avoiding the crowd hovering at the entrance.

“Shit, look at all of the people,” Nate announced as he
stared at the crowd and cameras surrounding the front of the building. No one
seemed to notice their rickety car escape past the swell to the rear parking
lot. Maybe they were expecting some sort of official-looking black SUV like
you see in crime movies and not our pathetic piece of tin,
Emily
speculated, thinking about how some seniors at her school owned nicer cars than
her mom’s. She peeked down at her gray dress and nervously picked little lint
balls off it as her mom parked the car.

“You look fine, Em,” Debbie insisted as she opened a mini
bottle of vodka from her purse and took a swig, “That dress looks lovely on
you.” Debbie had spent her tip money to buy Emily “new” thrift store clothes
for the trial. Emily was now pulling at a seam on the edge of the dress, making
it unravel.

As she waited for her mom to finish her shot, she felt around
for the phone in her purse to make sure it was turned off. She’d turn it on
later that night once her mom and Nate were sleeping so she could read through
her texts and the news in privacy. That way, if she cried, no one would see
her. Strong people don’t cry, she told herself.

 

 

About Kathleen Fine:

 

Kathleen
Fine received her Master’s in Reading Education from Towson University and
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of Maryland, College Park.
She is a member of the Maryland Writers Association, International Thriller
Writers, and Author’s Guild. When she’s not writing and selling real estate,
she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to the Outer Banks, and of
course, reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently lives in
Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, three children, and Sussex Spaniel. Her
debut novel, Girl on Trial, will be released in the Fall of 2023. 

Sign up for Kathleen’s newsletter! (Scroll to the bottom of the page)

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads
| BookBub

 

 

 

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Ends May 12th, midnight EST.

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Stars Like Gasoline

by Jessika Grewe Glover

 

Publication date: April 24th 2023
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Synopsis

When Celia, a Florida art curator, purchases the haunted house of her brother’s deceased fiancé, the spirits threaten her life and her career. To rid the home of the malevolent ghosts, she enlists the help of her brother, Oscar, and Adrian, the best friend of Oscar’s late fiancé, who’d been killed as an Afghanistan veteran. The three are about to be thrown into a chasm of events involving a dead French artist, a Dutch aerospace heiress, and a missing Japanese painter who is presumed to be dead. Not to mention a stalker that begins to threaten Celia and Oscar.

The link between these events appears to be a hidden journal from the 1980s Celia discovers in the home, belonging to a dead, but revered French artist. As Adrian helps decipher the clues, an attraction burns between him and Celia, raising the stakes of the game someone is playing. A game that no one might make it out of alive.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“The blisters hurt like the devil when the water hit them, and the open sores on my ankles were screaming demons at me. The night was the kind of heat the air conditioning doesn’t quite hold the upper hand over. Every window was fogged over with moisture. A 2019 Kikumoto painting with no title was a rare find indeed. If I could only get the release for the other piece I’d found, I could bet the gala would draw art dealers and patrons from much farther than our usual guests. Strange that the Cesar acquisition had come from Fort Pierce. While it had a small arts community, the town just south of us wasn’t known for the careful upper-middle-class and bourgeois lifestyle of Vero Beach. Maybe I was tired, but it felt like I was missing vital puzzle pieces here. An anonymous donation of a huge Cesar collection, Kikumotos appearing out of nowhere, seemingly belonging to no one, and a Cesar having once been in my house but now missing.

Cabinet doors slammed in the kitchen, and a thump preceded the sound of running water. I jumped in my seat, leaving my laptop open on the small writing desk, which sat facing the front window. Goosebumps ran a race up my legs and arms, chilling every inch of me. Clenched fingers opened and closed over my phone. Screw it. I texted Oscar.

Something is in here. Don’t call Adrian. If you’re already home, no worries. Just letting you know.

As I raised my eyes from the phone screen, a reflection caught in the fogged window. Silhouetted against the arcing bougainvillea was a man, standing directly behind me. The chair crashed to the floor as I stood like a jack-in-the-box. An icy touch reached out. I grabbed at the salt from the windowsill and tossed it at the shape, watching as the aberration in the room broke apart momentarily. A Spode Blue Italian salt bowl sat on the corner of the black spindle-legged desk. I cupped my fingers into the salt granules, pulled a handful, and spun in a quick circle, entrapping myself within the purported protection circle. I chanted an old Wiccan protection spell I’d found in an eighteenth-century grimoire in Boston and watched the spirit come closer and closer to the circle.

“Elements of Day,

Rays of Sun,

Hear what I say

“Goddess of Night,

Strength of Other,

Goddess of Light,

Protection of Mother.”

God only knows why I had that memorized when I’d only seen the piece a handful of times. The Catholic side of the family would be appalled by my use of a Wiccan spell, but La Madre María hadn’t been working so far. ”

Author Jessika Grewe Glover:

Jessika Grewe Glover is the author of Another Beast’s Skin, the first book in a contemporary fantasy trilogy. She grew up in Miami dreaming of magic and other realms in which to escape the heat. She currently resides in the Los Angeles area with her British expat husband, two kids, and the world’s fastest bulldog.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok

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Book Details:

​Book Title:  FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  288 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date:  Mar 2023
Formats Available for Reviewprint-softback (USA), and ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF).
Tour dates: Mar 14 to Apr 3, 2023
Content Rating: ​PG-13 for some bad language


Fade to Blue kicks off with shocking twists and attention-grabbing characters. The ongoing discussions between cat and mouse are tense, especially as the lines between terrorists and anti-terrorists working undercover become blurred. The stakes are high but also personal—Marcel’s monologues, while not likely realistic, are a lot of fun. Filled with vivid characters and a fast moving plot, Scheer has written a winning page-turner.” -BookLife, Editor’s Pick

“Hank Scheer’s debut novel offers readers an engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller. Sarah is a capable and appealing protagonist, and a canny plot twist gives the narrative geopolitical heft and spurs interest in what might happen next.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The secondary cast is vibrant and varied; their personalities are distinctive, and their conversations have a charming effect. Sarah’s combative exchanges with René, a French inspector whose penchant for sarcasm matches hers, add particular color. And the well-described settings further flesh out and ground the otherwise dizzying, swift-moving story. Working toward an open-ended but triumphant conclusion, Fade to Blue is an exciting thriller in which a scientist tries to stay alive after creating a brain-destroying drug that others want.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews

“The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading suitable for book club discussion, contrasting nicely with other standout medical thriller genre reads.” – Midwest Book Review

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MY REVIEW

Character driven stories are a favorite of mine and I really liked Sarah. I’m also a fan of suspense that builds in intensity and endings that aren’t clear and worry me about the outcome. In Fade To Blue I got all of that.

Sarah thought she was an ethical researcher and person. Not one to break the rules. But she gives in to temptation and that’s where the trouble really begins. The author showed me a clear picture of how this could happen to Sarah. Why she did what she did and thought the ends justified the means. But what comes next is something else entirely. This is where Sarah’s true colors show and she uses that talent for seeking answers to solve her own dilemma. I enjoyed how she thought out different scenarios, sometimes acting too quickly and trying again and again.

The opening scene had quite the hook and the plot rolled out quickly .I had to know how it ended and read the book straight through. A very satisfying ending and I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author.

4 STARS

 

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Book Description:

Will Dr. Brenalen’s unauthorized experiment lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s, or will it be used for bioterrorism?

Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss’s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer’s drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah’s brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.

Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn’t count on is that two can play this game.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads
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Author Guest Post:
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Fade to Blue trims down and gets a new ending

My first version of Fade to Blue featured a 37-year-old man who’s diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I liked the eighty pages I’d written about him, but realized his saga was a diversion from the main story. I deleted his character altogether (a year’s worth of writing), came up with a new motivation for Dr. Sarah Brenalen to create an Alzheimer’s drug, and finished another version of my novel. It was time to solicit a critique.

I called author/editor Leslie Schwartz and asked her to give Fade to Blue a read. She agreed. I printed out the 327 pages, sent them to her, and waited with bated breath.

Leslie called me two weeks later.

“Did you like it?” I asked.

“When I finished reading it, I was so mad I threw the entire manuscript against a wall,” she replied.

I took that as a “no.”

“Sarah dies halfway through the book! And it has a dystopian ending. You can’t do that. She has to survive and beat the bastards.”

“Thrillers don’t require a happy ending,” I countered.
We debated for twenty minutes, neither of us budging an inch.

Just before ending the call, Leslie said, “I don’t understand why you hate Sarah.”

I was incredulous. “What are you talking about? I really like Sarah.”

“Then why do you want her to die?”

Her question shook me. I had no answer, and realized I didn’t want Sarah to die. “But . . . for her to survive and beat Marcel, I’ll have to rewrite a hundred and fifty pages of the book.”

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Do it!”

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Meet Author Hank Scheer:

Hank Scheer’s writing journey began during a work break when a coworker said, “Hey, let’s write a short story.” They were working for a steel mill in Pittsburg, California, so brainstorming ideas became a fun way to pass the time.

At one point the following week, after the manufacturing process caused a computer to crash, Hank had his idea: an evil scientist creates a drug that destroys a person’s brain.

Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it. Fade to Blue is the result of three trips to Paris, France, and long weekends spent driving around the San Francisco Bay area.

It doesn’t involve steelmaking, but the science is just as real and the potential for trouble exponentially more terrifying.

Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.

connect with the author: website goodreads

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FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer Book Tour Giveaway

 

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I am so excited that THE REBIRTH by V.P. Evans is available now and that I get to share the news!

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If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book, be sure to check out all the details below.

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This blitz also includes a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours. So if
you’d like a chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

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THE REBIRTH

Author: V.P. Evans

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Pub. Date: March 16, 2023

Publisher: V.P. Evans

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 683

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Find it:GoodreadsAmazon

Get your copy now for only .99!

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A night where everything begins . . . and everything ends.

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For the past decade, police homicide consultant Mark Gilliam has been wasting
his life with corpses, drugs, and alcohol. Things weren’t always like this. Ten
years ago, he was a soldier, a husband, a . . . father. But it’s what he
deserves. He couldn’t protect his son from the monsters that took him away.

For the past decade, Jason Roneros has been living a reclusive life, forced to
spend the rest of his days in isolation. Things weren’t always like this. Ten
years ago, he was a well-respected author, a fighter, a . . . dreamer. But it’s
what he deserves. He trusted these monsters.

For the past decade, Mark and Jason haven’t seen each other.
But everything is about to change . . .

A murder brings them together one night, trapping them in the streets of
Chicago in search of redemption down a cryptic path that could unlock the
darkest scandal in history. As the path unrolls secrets buried in great works
of art and philosophical writings, the shadiest aspects of the human soul come
to the surface. Soon, the two men realize that those hunting them, closing in
with each passing minute, are equally dangerous as the ghosts of the past . . .

***Mature Content***

Reviews:

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“All the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat
. . . The tension builds up to an unexpected climax which I did not see coming,
and it was a big surprise to me.”–Readers’ Favorite review
by Alma Boucher (five-star review)

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“I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough . . . hard to believe it is a debut
novel.”–Books Go Social

“V.P. Evans delivers excitement at every turn in this tense thriller
novel, which starts with a gripping and intriguing premise before ramping up
its murderous twists and turns with each new discovery.”–Readers’
Favorite review by K.C. Finn (five-star review)

“V.P. Evans creates a multifaceted story that draws on different levels .
. . Its special brand of mysticism, psychological discovery, interpersonal
interactions, and close inspections of monsters and men makes it a highly
recommended read for a broad audience.”–D. Donovan, Senior
Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

The Rebirth can best be described as a cross between The
Da Vinci Code
 and Rule By Secrecy. What sets The
Rebirth
 apart is the incorporation of historic reasoning and its
inclusion of the philosophical ideologies of some of the world’s greatest
minds.”–Readers’ Favorite review by Jamie
Michele (five-star review)

Excerpt—From Chapter 1

Jason seemed so changed from the last time they’d met: his skin was yellow, as if forgotten by the coltish tickle of life. His face appeared exhausted, as if feckless to carry the striking features of the past. Two brusque lines around his mouth resembled deep snicks. Fitful creases whipped his forehead. His white, medium-length hair was combed back, just as it had been ten years ago, though a receding hairline now marked his forehead. His skeletal hands seemed incapable of keeping the watch fastened on his wrist, while his legs were so bony they seemed likely to break. Although Jason, like Oscar, was in his mid-sixties, he looked at least a decade
older.

“There’s no time left.”

His voice remained rich, though. It still carried the slight British accent from his days in
Oxford.

A mild shaking started traversing Oscar’s body. He put his glasses on the newspaper and
stood up, using the desk for support. “You need to leave.” He struggled to sound calm. “They were clear, Jason. We cannot be together. The deal—”

“The deal doesn’t exist anymore.” Jason scratched at his neck, above the collar of his
white shirt, where an already reddened patch of eczema had become even more
inflamed. “Dermot Walsh is dead.”

“What? How do you know—?”

“He told me himself. A few minutes ago. Texted me, pointing out his killers.”

Murdered?” Oscar soughed, terrified by the ensuing sentence.

“By them,” Jason added, confirming Oscar’s dread. “The Imperatores are already after me.”

Jesus.The Imperatores. That name. Saliva filled Oscar’s mouth, choking him. “After all these years … now? Why? We had a damned agreement!” He slammed his hands on the desk, trying in vain to expel the fear inside him. His palms burned from the hit.

To stop me,” Jason said, his words faint yet filling the huge office.

About V.P. Evans:

 

V.P. Evans
is the pen name of an average (and perhaps boring) guy who seems desperate to
disappear into lands far away. You would probably find him lost in a secluded
village in Estonia, wandering among the wild islands of the Azores, or
backpacking across vague paths in Asia. And sometimes, as the fading lights and
the thick darkness of this mysterious cosmos unfold before him, he has an idea
and writes it down.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon
| BookBub

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours, International.

Ends March 23rd, midnight EST.

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.

Publisher: Rare Bird Books (October 11, 2022)
Language: English
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1644283093
ISBN-13: 978-1644283097

 

Praise for ROUGH JUSTICE

“Burt Weissbourd is a master of the Amateur Sleuth/Crime Thriller genre and his newest story, Rough Justice continues to demonstrate his genuine flair of originality.” —Midwest Book Review

PRAISE FOR BURT WEISSBOURD

“These books transcend the expectations of genre fiction to become literature.” —Jacob Epstein, writer and executive story editor of Hill Street Blues, and writer of LA Law

“Weissbourd’s writing reminds me of the great Raymond Chandler mysteries.” —John McCaffrey, KGB Bar Lit Mag

“One of the most accomplished elements of this highly entertaining novel is the way that the action hinges on the emotional and interpersonal arc of the story rather than the plot twists themselves…it’s Callie’s relationships with the central figures, particularly Cash…that give the story its realistic and heart-stopping impact.” —Readers’ Favorite

“Weissbourd delivers a polished page-turner about terrorism, money laundering, and the price of sins rooted in avarice…Tart dialogue, explosive set pieces, and a dexterous narrative style that favors velocity over exposition add to the book’s appeal…Thrillers may be a dime a dozen, but memorable characters deserve a longer half-life, so here’s hoping Callie and Cash make a welcome return soon.” —BlueInk Review

“A Woman gets in touch with her inner action hero in this bracing thriller…as one character toasts, ‘Bravo, Callie James.’” —Kirkus Reviews

“An inventive thriller whose unconventional heroine learns how to live again.” —Foreword

 

“His skill as a writer is obvious and there’s a level of polish present in these pages you don’t find with less experienced authors…Danger in Plain Sight sets the stage well for Burt Weissbourd to have an impressive run with this character, and he will undoubtedly attract a growing audience with each new additional entry in the series.” —Hollywood Digest

For fans of Scott Turow, Lee Child, and Raymond Chandler.

Callie and Cash are back!

“When you get out of jail, don’t ever come back here.”

Callie James thought those were the last words she’d ever speak to Cash Logan. Two years later, in Danger in Plain Sight, Callie and Cash become an improbable team taking on lethal adversaries.

Now, in Rough Justice, Callie and Cash are back, and their world is about to explode.

It’s been a year since they saved her ex-husband’s life and faced unexpected, terrifying adversaries. During that process—confronting kidnapping, murder and the destruction of her restaurant—they came together, and against all odds, fell passionately in love.

The smooth sailing abruptly ends when Sara, a twenty-five-year-old, half-Algerian woman, unexpectedly shows up at the restaurant and insists on telling them her shocking, unbelievable story. Someone has stolen her identity, and they’re trying to kill her. Sara needs their help now, and she has a stunning, life-changing secret to tell.

Again, Cash and Callie assemble their unconventional ragtag family—including peg-legged Andre, and Itzac, “the Macher.” Together, they go to war with formidable adversaries to save Sara and ultimately their own lives. The fierce global battle leads them to Cuba, where they launch an audacious offensive that shocks even them…and will absolutely take your breath away.

With Rough Justice, Burt Weissbourd elevates not only his deeply rich and complex characters, but the entire thriller genre.

You can purchase Rough Justice at the following Retailers:
       
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Photo Content from Burt Weissbourd

Burt Weissbourd is a novelist, screenwriter, and producer of feature films whose novels include Danger in Plain Sight and Rough Justice, the first two Callie James/Cash Logan novels; the Corey Logan trilogy (Inside Passage, Teaser, and Minos); and In Velvet, a thriller set in Yellowstone National Park. Weissbourd grew up in Chicago and graduated cum laude from Yale University, with honors in psychology. During his student years, he volunteered at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and taught English to college students in Thailand. 

 
After he graduated, he wrote, directed, and produced educational films, then began a finance program at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Business, which he left to start his own film production company in Los Angeles. From 1977 until 1986, he developed screenplays with actors such as Robert Redford, Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, and Sally Field, and produced films including Ghost Story, based on the novel by Peter Straub and starring Fred Astaire, and Raggedy Man, starring Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard. He’s a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. In 1987, he founded an investment business, which he still runs. An avid fly fisherman, Weissbourd has lived in Los Angeles; Bainbridge Island, WA; Seattle; and New York City. He currently lives on Long Island with his wife, Dorothy, and has three adult children and two grandsons.
 
        

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 Book Details:
Book Title Fool Her Once (A Novel) by Joanna Elm
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 416 pages
Genre:  Thriller
Publisher:  CamCat Books
Release date:   Feb, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + MThere’s adultery, language, some sexual content, and violent crime, but no explicit descriptions of the crimes.

Book Description:

Some killers are born. Others are made.

​As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair made a tragic mistake when she outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer. So she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career—and returns to the city she loves.

When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside Jenna’s NYC apartment building, Jenna suspects that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. She knows she must track him down before he can harm his next target, her daughter.

Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack, fears that her investigative reporting skills will unearth his own devastating secret he’d kept buried in the past.

From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover the terrible truth about a psychopath and realizes her own investigation may save or destroy her family.

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MY REVIEW

This story takes place in the present, with flashbacks to twenty years ago when, as a rookie reporter, Jenna gets the scoop of a lifetime and, despite her misgivings, runs with it, causing turmoil and damage to so many.  Now, with one relationship ended and another on shaky ground, she returns to her shelved career, not knowing that by coming out of the shadows, a predator stirs. One with vengeance on their mind.

I was pulled in at the beginning and was intrigued by a premise that was addressed by this story. But, things moved a bit slowly. I was expecting more action and thrills. I did get some of that later. Along with an intriguing glimpse into the motivations of some of the characters and a big secret. I rather enjoyed this one and would like to try more books by Joanna Elm. I imagine she has some more interesting ideas that would have me asking questions, just like Fool Her Once did. By the way, the title really fits this book.

4 STARS

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Meet the Author:

Joanna Elm is an author, journalist, blogger, and attorney. Before the publication of her first two suspense novels (Scandal, Tor/Forge 1996); (Delusion, Tor/Forge/1997), she was an investigative journalist on the London Evening News on Fleet Street in the U.K. She also wrote for British magazines like Woman’s Own.

Then, she moved to New York where she worked as a writer/producer for television news and tabloid TV programs like “A Current Affair.” She was also the researcher/writer for WNEW-TV’s Emmy-award-winning documentary “Irish Eyes.” In 1980, she joined the Star as a reporter, eventually becoming the magazine’s news editor and managing editor before moving to Philadelphia as editor of the news/features section of TV Guide.

After completing her first two novels while living in South Florida, (Nelson DeMille described Scandal as “fresh, original and unpredictable”) Joanna returned to New York, enrolled in law school, graduated summa cum laude, passed the NY Bar exam, and worked as a principal law clerk for an appellate division justice in the prestigious First Department. She has been married to her husband Joe for 35 years and has one son.

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

FOOL HER ONCE Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Book Details:

Book Title:  PAPERBOY (A Dylan Tomassi Novel) by Dan Romanello
CategoryAdult Fiction (18+), 332 pages
GenreComing of Age Contemporary Thriller
Publisher: Sanitas Publishing, Inc.
Publication Date: August, 2022.
Content Rating: R: A series of explicit sex scenes, minimal bad language and drug use are utilized for character and plot development.

Book Description:

Abandoned by his father as an infant and raised by a single mother among the wealthy and privileged in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dylan Tomassi grew up poor. As a boy he is befriended by a mysteriously reclusive widow he meets on his paper route. She mentors him with sage advice on matters facing a young man growing up without a father. She never pays for her newspapers, and he never asks for the money because of all the good advice she dispenses. When she finally does square up, it changes his life forever.

Dylan relocates to Florida and becomes a successful private investor, wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. His newfound socioeconomic status introduces him into the upper echelon of Florida society where he finds many things going on in the world simply don’t make sense. With the help of his old friend and mentor, he navigates life in a turbulent modern-day society and vows to use his wealth to make a difference when he’s not sidetracked running into nefarious characters or busy keeping his best friend, wealthy playboy Alex Malloy, out of hot water. With corruption, debauchery, deception, and murder swirling around him, Dylan proves nice guys can finish first.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
BAM ~ B&N ~ Bookshop.org
Indigo ~ Indiebound
BookBub
add to goodreads
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Interview with Author Dan Romanello:
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Were any of the characters in PAPERBOY based upon real life people you have known?

The short answer is no. All the characters were derived from my wildly vivid imagination, although some of the book’s villains share characteristics with people you may be reminded of and that was done intentionally as part of the extrapolation feature of the writing.

Are you sure Dylan Tomassi is not based on you?

That’s probably the most frequent question I get from readers, and the answer is a resounding no. Dylan is tall, handsome, smart, and extremely well-grounded. He came from a hardscrabble background and became incredibly wealthy and successful. Along his journey, he is guided by an unrelenting work ethic and strong moral compass and his somewhat naïve outlook allows him to view the ways of the world through an apolitical perspective of common sense and reasonableness. He’s almost too good to be true, and I am far from that.

Is there anything that you and Dylan have in common?

We both grew up in Connecticut, had paper routes, and relocated to Florida after graduating from college. We also both enjoy sports and fitness. The similarities pretty much end there.

The central characters in the book, Dylan, Alex Malloy and Esther Lott are all very different but equally likeable and relatable. How did you go about creating such awesome characters?

My primary objective in writing the book is to entertain readers and provide them with an escape. When I read fiction, particularly a series, I am always drawn to books where I develop an affinity for the recurring characters, and so I tried to do the same. Additionally, the three you mentioned all play very different roles in the story and their personalities and character lend credibility to the situations they find themselves in.

At times the book goes into terrific detail on the background of various subjects, including the college sports recruiting process, the state of the newspaper industry, and the criminal justice system. Where do you get that information and is it all fact based?

Regarding the subjects you mentioned, it’s no coincidence that I have, at various times in my life, coached college athletics, worked in the newspaper industry, and served as an assistant state attorney. So much of the detail regarding the inner workings is drawn from real life experience. The story lines themselves are fictional, but I do try to be factually accurate when describing the fundamentals of the various institutions.  

What can we expect to see from Dylan in the future?

You won’t have to wait much longer. He will be back soon in the second book in the series, BLINDSIDED JUSTICE. As of now, no release date is set, but it will be sometime in the spring. For a preview, you can go to my website at authordanromanello.com.

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Meet the Authors:

DAN ROMANELLO began his career working for a large Florida newspaper before attending law school at the University of Florida. After serving as an assistant state attorney, he entered private practice where he spent more than 20 years as a civil trial lawyer litigating cases in courtrooms throughout Florida. He retired from the active practice of law in 2017 and, before writing PAPERBOY, spent four years coaching college athletics. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.

connect with the authors: website ~facebook ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

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PAPERBOY Book Tour Giveaway

 

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