OMG! This cover is spectacular. So pretty and colorful!
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Make sure you check out the synopsis.
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Barrier
by D.C. Renfroe
GENRE: Romance Thriller
RELEASE DATE OF THE BOOK: October 10th, 2016.
Synopsis
When Claire Luna is kidnapped and taken to a remote island, her predictable life is torn to shreds. She thought she understood grief, loss and loneliness. But nothing prepared her for the island.
Tucker Knight had his world turned upside down when he was a young teen. He’d known love, security and normality. But things changed, and somehow he lost his innocence along the way.
Barrier takes you on a compelling, thrilling and sometimes brutal journey of Claire and Tucker, who in a bid to control their destiny, must learn about trust and submission. And also about love.
The island is under the control of Dr. Stephen Bell, a scientist obsessed with the secrets of humanity through genetic engineering. Claire is part of his obsession, and quickly comprehends Bell’s twisted intentions. She is forced to decide between submission and life-altering consequences. In her desperate attempt to survive, Claire surprises Bell and Tucker with her strength to fight.
But, can she trust Tucker? Is he her enemy or her savior? Claire understands that to surrender means to survive, but can she endure? Tucker can’t help but be enamored by the spirited and determined Claire, but to survive, he must face and overcome his haunting past. Up until Claire’s arrival on the island, he had never thought himself capable, or deserving, but perhaps this was his chance to finally do the right thing.
~~~~~
Author D.C. Renfroe
I began writing many years ago and put it aside to raise a family. I put myself through college working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, which I have almost completed. I took every writing class that was offered and finally put pen to paper after dreaming of completing a novel for almost twenty years. In the meantime, I worked as a freelance journalist for a local newspaper briefly and wrote a personal blog while living in south Florida. I currently work as an Instructional Designer based in Austin, Texas. I am a mother of four and truly believe they are my greatest creation! Two of my children inherited my love of writing and I encourage them to write every chance they get!
When my sister told me how much she loved this book, I knew I had to read it. We don’t always enjoy the same books and even when we do, we enjoy them for such different reasons.
I’m happy to say I loved Europa: Awakenings and have a 5 Star review to share with ya’ll.
Also, the author was a good sport and answered my questions in an interview.
Come on in and check it out. You may have found your next exciting series and author to follow!
Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy
My Review
Are you one of those who wonders about Atlantis? Do you fantasize that it’s a thriving city hidden somewhere beneath the ocean? P. R. Garcia’s Europa: Awakenings, the first book in her epic series, gives you a fantastical world with beings from another world. The Oonocks. They hide in their city at the bottom of the sea, but also hide on dry land.
A young woman, Europa, heir to the throne of a lost country, has no idea she’s actually from another planet. Kept in the dark about her real origins, she’s raised as human to protect her and all of her kind from an ancient enemy, JeffRa.
Now, the enemy that led to their flight from their world to our ocean’s depths has found them, and will not stop until he kills them all.
There are so many characters you come to know, human and other. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Jeanip. I know. You’re thinking, shouldn’t it be Europa? Let me explain. Jeanip has something he must overcome from his past. This keeps him focused. And he’s been tasked with protecting Europa at all costs. He’s so loyal and fierce in his duties and larger than life. I’d be glad to have him as a protector and a friend.
The romance between Europa and Terrance is so sweet. He falls head over heels for her and she for him. Neither knows she’s not of this world. When Terrance finds out, he doesn’t hesitate to put himself between her and danger. I loved how, even though he couldn’t swim, he braved the seas to save her.
Being a lover of the ocean and all it’s inhabitants, this story was a must read for me. Adding in water beings from another planet fascinated me even more. Trying to visualize these beings in my mind, I drew from movies such as The Abyss and Europa Report. Such stunningly beautiful and mystical creatures filled me head.
Danger and action fill the pages. You hardly have to time catch your breath as the characters face insurmountable odds to combat those who would destroy them.
This is one of those books I went into with high expectations. And I got everything I could have hoped for and more. I’m now driven to read more. Find out what happens to beloved characters and where the author takes me next.
5 Stars
~~~~~
Interview
Your characters have to do a lot of traveling in your book, Europa. What is your favorite travel destination?Had I answered this question a few months ago, I would have said Disney World, my used-to- be-favorite place in the world.Now that I have moved away from California, I have to say it would be San Diego.I miss the weather, the mountains and, most of all, the ocean and the magnificent creatures that live there.I left a lot of good friends back in San Diego that I miss.I just loved the whole experience of living in San Diego, especially interacting with the passengers on the whale watching boats.That is where my heart now resides.
Where do you do most of your writing?In the living room.I like typing there because it’s roomy and has lots of sunlight shining in through the large windows.
What book are you currently reading?I just started reading Foundation by Isaac Asimov.
Most memorable romantic scene from a movie?Without a doubt, the scene from Out of Africa where Robert Redford is washing Meryl Streep’s hair.He poured that water over her head and I thought I would melt.I had the privilege of someone doing that to me once, and it was as romantic as I imagined it to be.
If you could sit down with any author, who would it be?The author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien.I am fascinated by the worlds Tolkien created and would love to hear how he came up with his ideas.I’d like to know how he developed the stories and, most importantly, kept it all straight.I have pages of notes so I can keep the stories consistent.
Dog or cat person?Dog, definitely.Although I like cats (and bunnies, snakes, birds and mice), dogs are my favorite.I remember something someone told me long ago – DOG is GOD spelled backwards.They love unconditionally and are always glad you’re home.I prefer big dogs, especially Rottweilers.
Sweet or salty snacks?Sweet.My husband once told me that my mother ruined me when I was little.She put sugar in everything – spaghetti sauce, potato salad, baked beans.I can live without salty, but I have to have sweet!!
High heels or flip flops?Flip flops.Have to be comfortable.Plus I’m now too old to wear heels.
TV shows or movies?Movies.The colors, sound and special effects are more extravagant in the movies.Movies are more emotional, more stirring, more thought provoking.I’ve seen a lot of great television, but I still haven’t seen one that can beat the big screen.
Favorite color?It has always been blue.But since writing the Europa Saga books, I am now leaning towards lilac.After all, that is the color of the Oonocks and Europa.
and one more
Any phobias?Spiders.Definitely spiders.I know they serve a purpose in nature and help keep down the insect population. Some are even quite beautiful, like the peacock spider of Australia.Maybe it’s their eight legs that creeps me out.Or the fact that they’re always hiding, ready to pounce out at you.Nope, no matter how I try I can’t like spiders.I always have my trusty sweeper ready to shuck up any in the hose that dares invade my house.
~~~~~
Synopsis
When the Oonocks sank their golden city of Atlantis beneath the ocean, only the words of Plato gave testimony of its existence. Now learn a new thought of who the Atlantians were and why they had to sink their city that eventful night. Find out why 6000 years ago, the race known as the Oonocks left their beautiful lilac waters of Jupiter’s ice moon Europa to begin a new life on Earth. Discover the real Atlantians. Europa is a twenty year old human female who has never heard of the Oonocks. And although she’s heard of the legend of Atlantis, she’s never giving the story much thought. Her life has been fairly normal, as normal as any royal child’s can be. The secret of who she really is has been kept from her, but she does know that she is of royal birth, the next leader of her people, that her great-great-great grandparents had to flee their country, which no longer exists, and that their enemy’s descendants may still be hunting them. Therefore, she follows a strict set of security rules. Safe and happy, she lives on an isolated estate along the coast line in northern California. But her safety is an illusion, for their enemy has returned and is stalking the future queen, waiting for his chance to end her life. The day after her birthday, Europa’s perfect word is destroyed when JeffRa assassinates her mother, thinking she was Europa. As she struggles to deal with her mother’s death, Europa’s world is turned upside down when she discovers a secret attic above her mother’s bedroom. There, she finds picture of her parents hundreds of years old. But most terrifying of all is her mother’s diary. Inside, Queen Medaron wrote that Europa would be born human and never know who she really was. Europa desperately searches for the answers as to who she is, as she flees before the assassin. Along the way, Europa will lose almost everyone and everything she loves. In order to survive she must find the queen inside her. She must learn and accept the true story of Atlantis and the Oonock race
~~~~~
Author P. R. Garcia
When asked who I am, I usually tell people I am a not-too-grayed-haired old lady who, at the age of 61, was inspired to write a book. The book turned into two, then three. In three years I have written nine and am presently working on book ten. All are full length novels, averaging 464 pages each.
In 2008, I moved from Michigan to Southern California. Since I grew up along Lake Erie, I had a love for the water, so it wasn’t long before I could hear the ocean calling to me. I began to volunteer on the whale watching boats as a naturalist through Birch Scripps Aquarium and the San Diego Natural History Museum. It is there that I expanded my knowledge of cetaceans and other marine life, a knowledge and love I carried into the books.
MY DREAMS
To see my story play out on the big screen before I leave this world. My other dream is to receive at least one hundred reviews on the books. I welcome both favorable reviews and those with criticism.
For more information about the books, or me, visit my website: prgarcia1.com. There is an index on the web site showing the characters, as well as a listing of places and Oonock terms. I have a YouTube video on EUROPA Awakenings at https://youtu.be/EvSVloULZ2I
I just recently updated the cover of EUROPA Awakenings to better reflect the story. The cover now shows the red-haired Europa, with her sanctuary, Saint’s Isle, on the right had side, and the presence of a large whale’s tail on the left. The whale is key to her survival, but you’ll have to read the story to find out who he is. The first chapter was also updated, so you will note that the paperback holds a release date of 2-27-2016, while the eBook maintains the original 12-9-2013 date. They are both the same book. Due to the significant changes in Chapter One, the paperback required a new ISB Number and a new release date.
EUROPA Awakenings can be ordered through any bookstore or online on Amazon. For exciting news about the ocean, cetaceans or important environmental issues, you can follow my Facebook page Europa Awakenings, which is just shy of 1300 likes.
Publisher: Diversion Publishing / Date of Publication: August 23, 2016
ISBN: 978-1682302873 / ASIN: B01G5Y6GO8
Number of pages: 240 / Word Count: 81,645
Book Description:
For fans of Karen Robards and Shiloh Walker, Anise Eden brings us the mesmerizing sequel to her paranormal romantic suspense novel All the Broken Places.
Cate’s enemies aren’t just surrounding her―they’re inside her head.
Therapist Cate Duncan has just accepted a job with the MacGregor Group, a unique collective of alternative healers. She’s excited by the prospect of honing her empathic healing techniques among others like herself―aura readers, telepaths, crystal healers, and more. The fact that Cate just started dating Ben, her magnetic new boss, is an added bonus.
Before Cate can settle into her new routine, the poisoning of a prominent neuroscientist draws the entire MacGregor Group into both a federal investigation and an even more insidious threat. Protected by Ben’s former Marine Corps unit, Cate and her colleagues must use their alternative healing methods to solve the crime as their patient clings to life. The responsibility of discovering crucial information falls to Cate and her parapsychological powers.
But for Cate, unraveling the mystery means reopening wounds that had just begun to heal―and in the environment of the Marine Corps unit, differences between Cate and Ben become clearer, straining their budding romance. When a new crisis looms, Cate must trust in her colleagues’ gifts and the strength of Ben’s love, finding the courage to confront her deepest and most terrifying demons―or her own life will be at risk.
In my dream, only the crabs’ lives were in jeopardy. Mom and I chose a spot on the pier that was shaded by a nearby oak, hoping for some relief from the humid heat. The buzzing and clicking of crickets and cicadas swelled as the summer afternoon ripened.
“Hold it perfectly still, Catie,” Mom whispered. “We want them to think it’s just a strange-looking plant.”
“I’m trying.” But after an hour, my arm ached from holding the crab net steady. “Maybe the bait isn’t rotten enough to attract them.”
Mom jiggled the string with the chicken neck tied to the end, making it dance just beneath the water’s surface. “Should I pull it out so you can check it?”
“Ew, gross!” I grimaced. “No thanks. I believe you.”
Suddenly, her whole body tensed. “Look, there’s one!”
The water was green and nearly opaque with algae. Staring down, I could just make out the ghostly limbs of a blue crab swimming up toward the bait.
“Wait until he’s really absorbed in what he’s doing and then scoop him up,” she murmured. “Not too quickly, though. You don’t want to scare him.”
“Right.” Once the crab started attacking the chicken neck, I slid the net beneath him and slowly lifted it to the surface.
“You got him!” Mom jumped to her feet. “Pull him out, and let’s have a look!”
“He feels really heavy!” We exchanged smiles of victory as I raised the dripping net up to eye level.
“Oh, no,” Mom said. “It’s beautiful, a great catch. But we have to throw it back.”
“Don’t say that!” I moaned. “Why?”
“It’s a female. It’s poisonous.”
I examined the crab. She was right: it had a full, rounded apron. With a sigh, I tossed the crab back into the water. “Females aren’t poisonous, Mom, just illegal to catch. You know that.”
“Whatever you say.” Mom walked over to the edge of the pier and turned around to face me. “I have to go now. Don’t follow me.” Before I could even grasp what she was doing, she had folded her arms across her chest, closed her eyes, and tilted her stiffened body backwards into the water.
“Mom!” I leapt forward, reaching the edge of the pier just as she hit the surface with a sharp splash. Remembering my lifeguard training, I got down on my belly, lay on the wooden planks, and thrust my arm into the water. But she was already out of reach.
I grabbed the crab net and plunged the handle down towards her, but she kept her arms folded, eyes closed. “Mom, grab the handle!” I cried out, but she kept sinking. Within seconds she was nothing more than a whitish blur.
“Don’t worry! I’m coming!” Screw lifeguard training, I thought as I kicked off my shoes and prepared to go in after her. But just as I was about to dive, something dragged me backwards by the waist.
I looked down to find a man’s arm wrapped around me—a man’s arm in a blue suit jacket. A familiar voice said, “Oh no you don’t.”
“Ben, let go of me!” I struggled to free myself from his hold. Then I realized that I was yelling out loud, awake and in bed, thrashing about and wrestling with the python of sheets tangled around me. My cell phone beeped and vibrated along the surface of the bedside table as the alarm went off. Meanwhile, my heart pounded in my throat. In my mind’s eye, all I could see was my mother sinking further and further into the river.
Goddammit, I thought, vigorously rubbing the tears from my eyes. Would my dreams ever stop transforming into nightmares—reminders that I had failed to see that my mother was in crisis, that I had failed to save her?
I strained to hear Ben bounding up the stairs to see what the yelling was about, but there was only silence. Had I only cried out in my dream? “Ben?” I called, loudly enough for him to hear me if he was awake. Still no response.
So he was still asleep. That was odd. Ben told me he’d never lost the early-riser habit he had developed in the Marine Corps. I turned off my cell phone alarm, put on my robe and slippers, and padded down the stairs. But he wasn’t on the sofa, where I’d left him the night before. In fact, he was nowhere.
I scanned the first floor of my tiny row house and found a note he’d left on the coffee table. “Had to go in early. See you at work. Bring a bag packed for a few days.”
Well, that’s cryptic, I thought as a bud of irritation formed. I flopped down on the couch and breathed slowly, trying to bring my heart rate back down to normal after the dream I’d had. “Bring a bag packed for a few days.” But packed for what? Given how focused he was on my training, I somehow doubted that Ben was planning a romantic getaway.
I tried Ben’s cell. No answer. I tried Pete’s cell. Again, no answer. Whatever was happening at the office, it must have been keeping them both occupied.
At least I had another way to find out what was going on with Ben. I sat cross-legged on the couch. With my hands resting on my knees, I closed my eyes and took a few slow, deep breaths. Then I pictured the filament of light that connected my heart to Ben’s, and focused my mind.
In an instant, the psychic portal between us opened. As my consciousness reached out and touched his, I fell back against the couch, struck by the intensity of his emotions. He was worried about something or someone, and there was a definite sense of urgency. Still, there was no actual fear. That told me that while some kind of crisis was going on, at least Ben was safe.
Then his feelings for me crashed through the portal, flooding me. Whatever else he was dealing with, I was on his mind. Once again I was overwhelmed by the strength of his feelings. Although I knew the portal only flowed one way, I tried to send my own feelings back in his direction. I pulled my consciousness back into my body and opened my eyes.
My gaze immediately settled upon my right hand, and the exquisite ring Ben had given me the day before. The gold band was carved to look like two birds in flight, holding a luminous round piece of Scottish agate with their beaks and the tips of their wings. He’d wanted to give me something concrete to remind me of how he felt about me when he wasn’t there, to reassure me when I had worries or doubts. A soft warmth bloomed in my chest as I twirled the ring slowly around my finger, admiring its craftsmanship. We’d agreed that I would decide when to tell people that the ring was from him—and that we were dating. In the meantime, we were keeping both things a secret. I wasn’t quite ready to go public with our new relationship, and Ben didn’t want me to feel any pressure.
As I went upstairs and laid my suitcase open on the bed, I thought about my disturbing dream. My mother’s fall into the water was obviously a reference to her suicide three months before. But the poisonous female crab? And Ben stopping me from saving someone’s life? I knew he didn’t like it when I put myself in danger, but he’d never just let someone drown.
Then again, maybe there’s nothing to decipher, I told myself. Sometimes a dream is just a dream. I tried to content myself with that thought as I showered, dressed, and packed in a hurry. I was anxious to get to the office and find out where we were going—and what crisis had made Ben leave that morning without so much as giving me a kiss good-bye.
~~~~~
About the Author:
Author Anise Eden writes The Healing Edge paranormal romantic suspense series for Diversion Books. She spends most of her time tucked away in her writing nook imagining things that aren’t there. On those rare occasions when she emerges from seclusion, Anise may be spotted in coffee shops, staring at her laptop screen and silently moving her lips as she reviews bits of dialogue. Although Anise claims that she’s the one in charge, the characters in her head do sometimes make her laugh out loud at inappropriate moments.
(The) Author cares about her characters, and plans her mysteries so that protagonist Eve has plenty of opportunities, and reasons, to grow and evolve, to make the choice to be “the better person”… ~Mallory Heart’s Cozies
I enjoyed this book, the characters are fun and a story line with plot twist that will keep you hooked until the end. ~Shelley’s Book Case
Ms. Diehl write such great stories with characters so full of life. ~Community Bookstop
I would call this a classic cozy. You have enough wacky, eclectic characters to make every reader happy… ~Laura’s Interests
I’m a southern gal and there’s nothing more fun than reading a story set in the land that offers you tasty mudbugs, pecan pie, and sweet tea.
Eve Appel came to Sabal Bay, Florida to start fresh. While waiting for her building to be refurbished, she and her friend Madeleine have taken her business on the road, literally. A friend loaned her an RV and she’s fixed it up as a consignment shop on wheels.
Business is brisk until the gals join a protest against a mud bog event. The giant trucks tear up the swampland and kill or destroy the habitat of local wildlife. It’s not just the town folk boycotting the business they have to worry about after the host’s head literally lands in Eve’s hands.
Okay, I snickered. I could just see it. Those big truck tires slinging mud all over the place, and then this head comes flying out. And once Eve realizes what she’s caught, she knows she can’t just toss it. It’s evidence at a crime scene.
It’s a free for all as accusations get slung, finger’s point to suspects, and some damning evidence is discovered, along with a convenient anonymous tip.
With so many suspects to choose from, it’s not an easy mystery to solve. So enjoy the ride as the author introduces you to her colorful cast of characters from south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Two of my favorite things about cozies are the characters and the small towns portrayed in them. I had a blast meeting these characters and the town felt familiar. The charming, fun mystery kept me sifting through the clues and snorting at some outrageous scenes. There’s also a bit of a love triangle. Kind of. Sort of.
This is the fourth book in the series, but you can read this one without having read the other three. I did. The author drops in some tidbits about previous events and some character insight without barely a hiccup in the story’s flow.
I hope you give this book a go. I pinkie swear you’ll have fun.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
When Jenny McCleary leases her property to be ravaged by the annual mud bog races, the small rural town of Sabal Bay, Florida, is divided into warring camps: environmental activists versus monster truck fans. Jenny, who frequents the consignment store owned by Eve Appel and her friend Madeleine, doesn’t seem to mind when Eve and Madeleine join the protesters the day of the races.
During the race, Eve catches Jenny’s airborne head after it is tossed into the air by the wheels of a truck. Now every protester is a suspect in Jenny’s murder. What’s left of her alligator-gnawed body is found near the airboat business of Eve’s Miccosukee Indian friends, Sammy Egret and his grandfather. When more evidence turns up nearby, Grandfather is arrested.
Even without the disembodied head, Eve has her hands full. The town resents her role in the protests and is boycotting the consignment shop on wheels. She is torn between two men–GQ-handsome, devoted PI Alex and tall, dark, and exotic Sammy. Jenny’s sweet and needy teenage daughter is dating a petty criminal. Will Eve and Madeleine ever be able to move into their new digs? Not unless the town forgives them. And not if whoever decapitated Jenny gets to Eve before she and her sleuthing buddies solve the mystery.
Author Lesley A. Diehl
Lesley retired from her life as a professor of psychology and reclaimed her country roots by moving to a small cottage in the Butternut River Valley in upstate New York. In the winter she migrates to old Florida—cowboys, scrub palmetto, and open fields of grazing cattle, a place where spurs still jingle in the post office, and gators make golf a contact sport. Back north, the shy ghost inhabiting the cottage serves as her literary muse. When not writing, she gardens, cooks and renovates the 1874 cottage with the help of her husband, two cats and, of course, Fred the ghost, who gives artistic direction to their work.
She is the author of a number of mystery series (Microbrewing Series, Big Lake Mystery Series, Eve Appel Mystery Series and the Laura Murphy Mysteries), a standalone mystery (Angel Sleuth) and numerous short stories.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB at Books And A Beat.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teaser for this week is from
Who Walks The Night
by L D Freitag
Genre: Paranormal / Mystery / Romance
My teaser from 32% in the eBook.
“Don’t fuss, Rose. I had to tinkle and accidentally fell into an open grave. They got me out, then Alix fell in.”
This was such a funny scene.
~~~~~
Read on if you want to know more.
My Review
I picked this one up for free on Amazon. What a great way to discover new authors. And you can bet I’ll be reading more by L.D.
The beginning of this book isn’t filled with action and scares. It’s all about Alix and her new lighthouse. When her abusive husband dies in a car wreck, she’s surprised to discover he had a very hefty life insurance policy and she wastes no time starting over.
It was fun to go with Alix on her shopping sprees. She needed everything to build her new nest. And along the way she made some fun friends and met a new man. Sweet, sexy Michael.
And what’s a lighthouse without a ghost or two? It starts with a few noises, then becomes threatening.
There was more fun as Alix and a couple of her elderly relatives went on a paranormal investigation gig with some of her new friends. Those ladies had such fun.
To add even more fun, Alix takes in a stray dog and he transforms into an adorable companion. There are several four legged characters and they all have their own personalities. I always enjoy that in a book.
Lots of fun, great characters, and a few boos to keep you on your toes. Give this one a go if you enjoy light mysteries with a bit of romance.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
Alexandra Olson follows her dream to restore an old lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan. She soon discovers that things aren’t quite right in her new home. Footsteps echo down the hall, things move around on their own, and strange noise break the silence of the night. As she begins renovations, the unnatural activity intensifies, leaving no doubt that her home is haunted. In her search for answers, she joins the local ghost-hunting group, Door County Paranormal. Activity escalates as she digs deeper into the history of her property, and the haunting takes a violent turn. Will she be able to discover the source of the haunting before its too late, or will a town’s secrets enable the lighthouse to claim another victim?
Never has that saying, ” hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” echoed more loudly. Dumped by her husband for a newer, younger model, Pam is reluctant to oblige her ex-husbands death bed request to come visit him.
She rethinks this when she realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to dish out a little of the cold dish called revenge.
Ah, what a sordid, deliciously evil tale of what goes around comes around. Yeah, I know. A lot of cliches here. But they fit this little tale so well.
When Fatal Attraction first aired at the cinema. I bet a whole lot of men thought twice about incurring a woman’s wrath. Too bad Pam’s ex didn’t. How this all plays out is so dark and dirty, yet it had me rubbing my hands in glee. I’m team Pam!
For all of you fans of Karin’s books and in need of a fix, I highly recommend you treat yourself to this short, wicked morsel.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
First comes love.
Then comes marriage.
Then comes revenge.
In this sensational short story from the bestselling author of The Kept Woman and Pretty Girls, fifty-two-year-old Pam has done her utmost as a loyal wife to her now ex-husband John. He dropped her cruelly . . . but with a terminal illness about to claim his life, Pam now sees an opportunity to settle the score, in a way that no one—not their children, not her ex, and certainly not the reader—will see coming . . .
Surprising, suspenseful, and diabolically clever, Cold, Cold Heart offers old fans and new readers alike a taste of the writer Gillian Flynn calls “one of the finest crime novelists at work today.”
~~~~~
Author Karen Slaughter
Karin Slaughter is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Will Trent and Grant County series and the instant New York Times bestselling standalones, Cop Town and Pretty Girls. There are more than 35 million copies of her books in print around the world.
The Emerald Key by Mark Frederickson & Melora Pineda
Penny and Laci are headed for a mundane summer vacation until a mysterious journal unlocks a portal to another world and they find themselves face to face with a baby dragon. In an attempt to send their new acquisition back to its home, the girls, along with two neighborhood friends, get sucked through to a mythical world. In this land, they must battle foes seen and unseen, pushing them to both their physical and mental limits. If they fail to stop the powers they’ve unleashed, it could not only destroy this strange world, but also annihilate their own.
Praise for The Emerald Key
“In The Emerald Key, authors Mark Frederickson and Melora Pineda take readers on a fast-paced journey sure to enthrall not only middle-grade readers but their parents, as well. Laci and Penny will appeal to anyone looking for strong, resourceful female characters and the side characters are well-developed and hilarious, too (my favorite might be Buzz!).”
– Author Julie Gardner
“If you like fantasy and want adventure, this book is for you! It is entertaining for adults as well as middle-grade students…Just when you think there’s nothing new anyone could offer in a fantasy, these two authors prove you wrong. They have created a very believable new world fraught with danger and excitement at every turn. I couldn’t put it down.”
– Dani B
“I love the vivid characters and the way you can picture all the action…I would recommend this book for any age and it is a book that grandparents can buy for their grand kids and know that it is an exciting story and a safe read.”
– Amazon Customer
“A real page turner, loved it. This book is funny and an adventure story for both young and old readers. I’m looking forward to the next book!”
– MJP
Excerpt:
THE PIRATES
Hallvard was gallantly dueling the taller pirate, while Ethan and Buzz were hitting the short smelly one with a stick and throwing dirt into his face. Ethan hauled off with all his might and swatted the pirate in the head, knocking him down. The rotund pirate tried to get back up and grab his sword, but stumbled and fell just as Buzz hit him in the face with a giant dirt clod. Buzz grabbed the sword, but the weight of it caused him to fall over. Ethan took it away before Buzz hurt himself.
“It’s clear; let’s go,” Penny said to Verge and Laci. As they exited the woodshed, running for the top of the knoll, Penny motioned for Ethan and Buzz to follow. They sprinted up the hill, with the smelly pirate in pursuit.
Mark was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated UC Santa Barbara with a degree in film and has worked in the film industry for years. He has written several screenplays and had a show optioned by MTV. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Rebecca and his daughter Sara. This is his first novel, and hopefully not his last.
After Melora graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, she worked in the television industry for several years before becoming a library volunteer at her daughters’ school. Her passion for both reading and entertainment inspired her to write. This is her first novel. She currently lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a pet bunny and a fish. Oh…never mind, the fish died.
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
This isa Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry.
Read on to learn how you can win some great prizes!
After reading my review, head on over to Sherry’s blog at fundinmental. Check out her review and leave a comment to enter her giveaway for another chance to win!!
~~~~~
Girl Of Mine
by Taylor Dean
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Review
Taylor has written another sweet romance to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Not being much of a romance reader myself, it never ceases to me amaze me when I read one of her books and lose track of time. I never can stop until I reach the end.
Lucas Graham is desparate. One stupid act may have lost him the girl of his dreams. His soulmate. Now he’ll have to do whatever it takes to win her back. And he only has four days to do it. That’s all the leave he has before he’s shipped off to Iraq.
But the four days aren’t his biggest challenge. The biggest one will be getting Jill to stand still long enough to make his case. He did dump her practically at the altar. And now she’s engaged to someone else. He can’t expect her to welcome him back with open arms. It will call for drastic measures.
If it takes drastic measures to win her back, so be it. With Luke being a police officer and soldier, I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions on how he pulls that off.
Let the fun begin.
This situation and the characters are very believable. And while it may sound familiar, like something you’ve read before or seen in a movie, Taylor’s writing makes it all new and fun. You can’t help but feel sad and mad for those that are wronged. Angry at the ones that take advantage. And fearful that there won’t be a happy ending.
Taylor Dean’s romance stories always give your heart strings little tugs and take you back to that moment. The moment you realized you were in love.
In the end, she leaves you with a goofy grin, misty eyes, and a pile of tissues. Might want to have a box handy before you start this one.
4 Stars
A quote I loved.
“I have to fight my love for you, when all I really want to do is give in to it.”
~~~~~
Synopsis
HE CAME HOME
The year is 2003 and Captain Lucas Graham is at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, about to be deployed to Iraq. A few weeks ago, he broke his engagement with Jillian Barrett, leaving her stunned and heartbroken.
Knowing he can’t leave for war without putting his affairs in order, Luke obtains a four day pass with only one goal in mind: explain his life story to his former fiancée.
The problem: Jill is now engaged to another man.
But Luke isn’t giving up. He only has four days to gain an audience with Jill, even if he has to resort to drastic measures to do so.
A few years ago, on a business trip with my hubby, we were traveling home and made a pit stop for the night. My hubby had made reservations in a very nice hotel. This made the trip into a bit of a vacation rather than a drudgery-filled business trip.
Wonderful, right?
Wrong.
Instead, my overactive imagination took over.
The hotel was beautiful, but practically deserted. It was downright creepy. I turned into Stephen King for the night and imagined all kinds of scenarios.
The next morning, when we made it out of the hotel alive, I told my husband what had been in my thoughts the entire night. He was shocked by my dark thoughts. I feel like I could easily write horror novels. My mind goes there–and it’s a frightening place. I seriously don’t know how Stephen King sleeps at night.
At any rate, I’m not going to write horror novels, because I’d scare myself to death.
But I couldn’t help adding my imaginary experience into GIRL OF MINE.
Obviously it didn’t really happen and, of course, no one died. But the story tells what my mind conjured up while staying at a creepy hotel.
And when we left the hotel, I felt sooooooo relieved. . . . and so grateful my husband could come with me . . .
A writer’s mind can be a scary place.
Needless to say, I will NEVER stay in that hotel again.
Seriously, if it was the only place available and there was a huge snow storm outside . . . I’d sleep in the car.
Curious? Read on.
Keep in mind, this is actually a romance novel, and not a scary book at all.
Here’s the excerpt:
(Background: Troy, having been through a traumatic experience as a child, writes horror novels as an adult. He’s sharing a short story he wrote with his friends, Luke and Jill.)
“There’s this middle-aged couple, deeply in love with each other. They decide to treat themselves to a night at a fancy hotel for their anniversary. They arrive and the wife sees that the hotel is this huge high rise in a somewhat rundown area of downtown. She doesn’t really know why, but she feels uncomfortable. The hotel is beautiful, with lots of charm. It’s an older building that has recently been renovated and refurbished. But the area feels weird and kinda eerie. There are lots of cars in the parking lot, so she figures it’s a popular place and she’s just being silly.
“They go inside and there’s a wedding reception going on in the hotel’s party room. People are arriving in their finest clothing, bearing brightly wrapped gift bags. The atmosphere is happy and festive. The wife feels a little more comfortable. They take the elevator up to their tenth floor room. The floor is deserted and the wife feels a chill up and down her spine. For the sake of her husband, she squelches her fear, feeling silly. Their room is immaculate and superbly decorated. They relax for awhile and flip through the TV channels. They get amorous with each other, but we’ll leave that part out for now.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Luke says under his breath, making Jill grin.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Graham.”
“Too late.” Luke winked at her and Jill felt herself blush.
Troy ignored him. “They dress and decide to head down to the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. They find everything is closed downstairs: the main restaurant, the snack kiosk, the salon, and the gift shop. Every single thing is closed for the evening, even though the posted hours say they should be open. Other than the party room, the place is deserted. There is a distinct lack of hotel patrons and employees, which the wife finds odd. The lone man at the front desk informs them that the hotel is catering their usual fare for the wedding reception and a limited menu for room service is available. The wife is feeling creeped out and really wants to pack up and leave, but she stays for her husband’s sake. This was her anniversary gift and she doesn’t want to ruin it.
“They go back to their room and decide to order room service. The husband makes a quick run to the ice machine and when he returns, he places a bottle of sparkling cider on ice to chill. The wife is touched by his thoughtfulness. They eat dinner in bed, watching a movie they chose on pay-per-view. Overall they have a romantic evening, filled with tender moments. In rare form, her husband constantly professes his love and how happy he is with her. He’s doting and speaks of some of their most treasured memories, things she hasn’t thought about for years. She’s thrilled, pleased with the state of her marriage, but the eerie feeling never leaves the wife and she has a hard time relaxing.
“She sleeps clinging to her husband and has several nightmares during the course of the evening. She awakens a few times to find her husband awake and simply staring at her. He tells her he loves her and to go back to sleep. She does, knowing she is safe. The husband works long hours and had been looking forward to sleeping in, but they both arise early and are eager to get on the road at first light. By unspoken agreement, a leisurely morning is nixed.
“The wife wonders if he is as creeped out by the hotel as she is, but doesn’t broach the subject. It’s almost as if speaking of the eerie feeling will make it real and bring it to life. They pack up and leave the room and the wife breathes a sigh of relief. She can’t get out of the hotel fast enough. As they walk down the hall toward the elevator, they pass the alcove where the ice machine is located. The wife glances inside and nearly trips on her own feet. The husband wraps his arm around her shoulder and whispers in her ear, ‘Just keep walking. Keep your eyes forward.’ The wife gulps in air, her breathing labored, but she does as he says, even though tears are now pouring down her face.”
“Wait. What did she see in the alcove?” Jill asked, absorbed in the story.
“Her husband’s dead body, lying in a pool of blood.”
Jill let out a shaky breath. “So . . . he’s . . .”
“A ghost,” Troy confirmed. “He walks her to the elevator in silence. Several people are in the elevator already. Her husband whispers in her ear, ‘Look no one in the eye.’ She does as he says, her hands shaking and her knees wobbling. When the elevator opens, the lobby is filled with nameless, expressionless people, staring blankly and wandering around aimlessly. ‘Just walk forward,’ her husband says and she obeys. He walks her to the glass door at the front of the hotel and pushes the door open. ‘Go,’ he says. ‘Don’t ever come back. Don’t even look back.’ The glass door closes, but the husband stays inside the hotel. Panicked, the wife turns back and tries to open the door. It’s locked. The husband stands there, his hand on the glass, a last farewell. ‘No!’ the wife screams. ‘Come with me.’ He shakes his head in the negative and mouths the words, ‘I love you.’ Suddenly the expressionless people come forward and the husband is engulfed by the masses, disappearing in the crowd. The wife turns and runs to her car.”
Troy didn’t say anything more as he looked between them with a sly grin.
“And?” Luke asked.
“And that’s the end,” Troy finished with a satisfied air.
At one point in the novel, Luke says this about Troy’s childhood experience:
And that’s why Troy writes horror novels. He makes for an interesting and complex character.
~~~~~
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:
Taylor Dean has a fantastic giveaway for you! Just look what you can win!
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For One Lucky winner! US Only
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And an eBook copy for two lucky International winners!
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All you need to do to enter is answer the question below, also let us know if you are US or International, and leave your email so I can contact you if you win.
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“Have you ever had a second chance at love?”
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Giveaway ends September 28th.
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This is a Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry at fundinmental.
Now hop on over and check out Sherry’s review and leave a comment for another giveaway HERE.
The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.
Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!
My 56 for this week is from:
Doggone It
A Dreamwalker Mystery #3
by Maggie Toussaint
Genre: Mystery
From page 56 in the paperback.
“You were conducting a missing person’s investigation. And you can’t move yet because every part of you is waking up.”
“What do you mean?” Wayne’s voice was laced with suspicion. “What have you people done to me?”
~~~~~
This is an ARC copy. The book will be release October 19th.
Read on if you want to know more.
Synopsis
Dreamwalker Baxley Powell can’t remember the last time she had such a crappy weekend. A twilight encounter with a ghost dog left her numb and disoriented, her dreamwalker abilities are wiped out, and the sheriff just summoned her to a double homicide.
With no access to the spirit world, Baxley bluffs her way through the crime scene where a movie star s assistant and a charter boat captain were strung up and bled dry. In a haunted house, no less. Figuring out who killed these people will be a real challenge without her ability to speak to the dead.
Just when Baxley thinks her powers are returning, her dreamwalks malfunction. With the sheriff pushing her to solve the case quickly, Baxley teams up with a dognapping medium to boost her powers.
Suspects include Bee s good-for-nothing brother, the assistant’s replacement, and, of course, his stalker. All of Sinclair County is on edge, and the media circus isn t helping. At stake are the movie s funding, the sheriff s job, and Baxley s senses.
Can Baxley safeguard her abilities and solve the case before the killer strikes again?
Haunted houses, lost pirate treasure, conniving in-laws, supernatural baddies, and a determined ghost dog test amateur sleuth Baxley Powell s mettle in Book 3 of Toussaint s Dreamwalker Series.
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