Posts Tagged ‘romantic suspense’

 

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The Echo on the Water

by JA Huss

 

Publication date: July 25th 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Rosie Harlow is desperately seeking… well, she’s not sure. A romance would be nice but so would a dinner conversation with her pre-teen son. Too bad her boy is way too busy growing up to pay his mama any attention. Rosie never meant to swear off men and she’s not frigid—you don’t become a single mom at fifteen by being frigid—but this dry spell of hers has gotten out of hand and something must be done.

Enter Amon Parrish. Back in high school Amon was voted most likely to get caught with his pants down. He was a trouble maker. The quintessential bad boy. But twelve years away from home, traveling the world and working with Collin Creed doing super-secret (and somewhat illegal) things, changed all that. These days Amon Parrish is a brand-new, stand-up man.

And, to Rosie’s surprise, a romantic man as well. Because he has decided to court her. And this is not just any ordinary courting, either. It’s… well, a page ripped right out of a bodice ripper.

But everyone in Disciple, West Virginia has a secret in their past.

Even the cheerful, perpetually optimistic, and seemingly innocent, Rosie Harlow.

The Echo on the Water is a swooning plate of small-town fiction served up with a side of spice. It honors the themes of friends to lovers, found family, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of the weird and wonderful.

INSIDE THE PAGES YOU WILL FIND:

Small Town Secrets

Charming Alpha Male

Friends to Lovers

Touch Her and Die

Morally Grey

Found Family

THIS BOOK WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT NOOK, KOBO, AND APPLE ON PRE-ORDER and will release two days early at those distributors. It will go into Kindle Unlimited on the stated release day of July 25, 2024.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

ROSIE

When the show is over everyone gets up to leave, as do I, but Amon stays right where he is. Obviously waiting for me.

I make my way to the end of the row and stand before him, his eyes dancin’ a little. “Amon.”

“Rosie.”

“Are you here for me?”

“I am.”

“Oh. I see. Well. What can I do for you?”

“I asked you to go bowling last night.”

“You did.”

“You turned me down.”

“That’s right.”

“Well, I was wondering if it was just bad timing or if it was me.”

I let out a breath. “Why are you wondering that?”

“Why?” His eyebrows shoot up. “Because if it was bad timing, I’m gonna ask you again. But if you don’t like me, I’ll move on.”

“That’s very forthcoming of you.”

“Thanks. I like to be forthcoming.”

He’s talking with a straight face, but I’m smiling pretty big right now. “Well, can I think about this a little bit?”

“Can you define ‘little bit?’”

I smile bigger. “You’re flirtin’ with me.”

“Why does that surprise you? You flirt with everyone.”

“Well, yeah. But that’s me. You’re… you.”

“What are you saying? I’m not flirty?”

“Are you flirty?”

He smiles now. But he narrows his eyes too. “Should I ask again? Or should I move on?”

“If I say move on, will you truly move on? Or will you try again?”

His smile grows. “Try again.”

“Then I’m gonna tell you to move on.”

He nods, still smiling, then leans forward. “By the way, I read your little paper. Not the one you gave me, but the one from last week. My sisters had a copy.”

“Oh, right. They do the Revival marketing and I’m part of the marketing now.”

“I like it.”

“Which part? The whole idea of it? Or just the vibe?”

“The writing.”

I nearly giggle. “You like the ads?”

“Yeah. I’m kinda jealous of Robust and Hearty because I like his taste in women. And I was thinking that the woman he described sounded a little bit like you.”

I nearly guffaw. I manage to hold it in, but my cheeks get hot and I know I’m probably turning bright red. “You fancy a…” I pause to think back on what kind of partner Robust and Hearty was looking for. “A courageous and resilient woman who is ready to embrace the thrills and trials of a life less ordinary?”

Amon nods. “I do.”

“Well.” I pull myself together. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Amon Parrish. But I am not looking for a man at the moment. I am quite happy with my life as it is.”

He nods at me. Pretends to take off an imaginary hat and bows a little. And even though he’s not in costume—he’s wearing his usual outfit of black tactical pants and black t-shirt—I picture him in one. “Well, then,” he says. “I will leave you to your day. But I’ll see ya around, Rosie Harlow.”

I nod back. “See ya around, Amon Parrish.”

He turns and walks out, not even looking back. But I’m not unhappy about that because he already told me that he’s gonna try again.

I am being courted.

By Amon Parrish, of all people.

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About Author JA Huss:

JA Huss is a scientist, New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, and a cowgirl who rides English. Five of her books were optioned for TV/film, several of her audiobooks have been nominated for the Audie and SOVA Awards, and she was a RITA Finalist in 2019. She has been an indie author in both fiction and non-fiction for seventeen years and lives on a ranch in Colorado with her family, horses, dogs, goats, donkeys, and chickens.

Website / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon / Audible

 

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Escape from Devil’s Den (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)
by Bonnie Vanak

 


Escape from Devil’s Den (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)
Romantic Suspense
Setting – Where does your book take place? Florida and North Carolina
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harlequin Romantic Suspense (July 23, 2024)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335502440
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335502445
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CK8RG5GJ

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She’s found the perfect disguise…

Until he uncovers the truth!

FBI agent Jace Beckett goes undercover to infiltrate the motorcycle gang Devil’s Patrol. But he never expected to encounter his stunning former fiancée, Kara Wilmington, hanging around the criminal organization. The gorgeous businesswoman is determined to protect her property—and her family—when she finds out that her cousin is involved with the DP. But as Kara and Jace relentlessly pursue the DP’s ruthless jewel-theft ring, it’s not only Jace’s cover that’s at risk. It’s their lives…

From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.

About Bonnie Vanak

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

Author Links: Website / Facebook

Purchase Links: Amazon   Apple  B&N  Kobo  Harlequin 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

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July 16 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 16 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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 How far would you go for love?

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The Cliff Diver

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Mina’s Choice Book 3

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by Karissa Knight

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Genre: Romantic Suspense

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A perfect blend of sexy romantic suspense and heart-pounding
action, The Cliff Diver delivers thrills galore. The
characters are heroic, but human. The settings are frighteningly
exotic. Most of all, the book offers entertaining, but profound
insights about what people need most of all. The overall package is
five-star-worthy, and headed, I’m sure, for the big screen.—Saralyn
Richard, author of the Detective Parrott Mystery Series

 

 Determined to protect Mina at all costs, Jonathon ventures to Greece,
into the heart of danger to stop his enemy and ex-lover, Rory
Bradford. Using his unlimited resources, he orchestrates the
interception of a fentanyl shipment destined for the streets. When he
disappears without a trace, Mina refuses to sit idly by as the man
she loves faces peril.

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Mina races to Greece, where she
embarks on a relentless quest to find Jonathon. With unwavering
determination, she delves into Rory’s dark past, and uncovers her
secret identity. Rory is the daughter of a transnational crime
leader, and she has captured Jonathon. As Mina navigates the
treacherous waters of international crime, she joins forces with a
team of Jonathon’s highly trained, and resourceful friends.
Together they fight against weaponized drones, guerilla attacks and
time to rescue Jonathon from Rory’s prison.

In a perilous quest to secure a future with the man she loves, Mina
discovers that she has the strength and fortitude to face her demons
and bring Jonathon home.

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Amazon
* Bookbub
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The Contract

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Mina’s Choice Book 2

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 Chicago’s hottest legal star is the lawyer of choice for wealthy
offenders, but Mina’s courtroom victories increasingly conflict
with her sense of right and wrong. When she can’t ease her guilt
with her self-punishing extreme sport, she seeks to relieve it in
other ways. Billionaire Jonathon Thomas Heun is happy to oblige as
they take their relationship to the next level with Mina surrendering
control and embracing her dark, dangerous desires.

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As their lives intertwine in and out of the bedroom, past deeds haunt
them both, catapulting them into the perilous territory of the
Russian mob, money laundering, and blackmail. When Mina’s life is
threatened, Jonathan’s secrets shake Mina’s trust in him, putting
their relationship on uneasy ground.

Even if her enigmatic
lover proves his loyalty and saves her, can Mina forgive him and
accept his growing affection?

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Amazon
* Bookbub
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The Client

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Mina’s Choice Book 1

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Previously
published as Elements of Submission by Karissa Knight.

My new client has the wealth
and power to make his own rules. As I’m drawn into his secret world
of dark fantasies I must know: Is he a killer, or the man of my
dreams?

Wilhelmina Green is the lawyer of choice for
Chicago’s wealthy offenders. Mina’s latest victory, the acquittal
of a U.S. senator, has made her a media sensation. To the outside
world she appears to have it all, but she’s still searching for a
man with the strength to bring her dark fantasies to life.

CEO Jonathon Thomas Heun, a
suspect in the death of his personal assistant, hires Mina to
represent him. He slowly draws her into his seductive world of wealth
and power as they investigate the murder. Despite her attraction to
him Mina holds back, sensing Jonathon is keeping part of himself
closed off from the world. And from her.

As the passion of their affair
intensifies, Mina soon realizes her desires were just the beginning
of an erotic dive into Jonathon’s lifestyle.

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**Only .99cents!!**

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Amazon
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 Karissa Knight loves to write sultry stories packed with dangerous
characters and thrilling climaxes. She is a serial artist, an avid
gardener, a classical musician, and author who lives in Wisconsin.

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Website
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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 $10 Amazon gift card – 1 winner.

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ebook of The Cliff Diver – 10 winners!

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Her Secret Protector (SOS Agency)
by Bonnie Vanak

 


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

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To find her attacker

…he must stay in the shadows.

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

From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.

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

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

About Bonnie Vanak

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

Author Links: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 17 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 17 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

October 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 18 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 18 – Lady Hawkeye – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 19 – fundinmental – REVIEW

October 19 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

October 21 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 23 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

 

 

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

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

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

Balancing Entropy

by M.H. Cali

 

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

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

Or is it really?

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

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

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

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

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

Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.

Enjoy this peek inside:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She breathes in, deciding to reorient the exchange.

R: What are you doing?

She takes another sip of her rosé.

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

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

R: Same, but alone.

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

L: Cheers🍻

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

She smiles absentmindedly.

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

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

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

Raven smiles sadly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

L: You had an infernal toaster?

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

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

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

She cackles.

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

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

She stares at her phone for a moment.

She could honestly chat with him like this for hours.

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

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

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

She smiles but keeps her resolve.

R: Good night, Lucas

L: Good night, Raven 🙂

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

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

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

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

About Author M.H. Cali:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website / Goodreads / Amazon / Instagram / Twitter / Bluesky

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

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

At the Ready

by Sharon Michalove

July 3, 2023 Cover Reveal

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At the Ready by Sharon Michalove

Synopsis:
 

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

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

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

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

Book Links: Amazon | Book Bub | Goodreads

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

 

 

Author Sharon Michalove:

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Sharon Michalove

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

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

 

 

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

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

Book Description:

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

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

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

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

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

 
 
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CALL HER JANIE Book Tour Giveaway

 

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

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

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

Deadly Betrayal

by Sheila Kell

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

When trusting the wrong person can be deadly.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy this peek inside:

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

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

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

Confused, her brow scrunched up. “What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Author Sheila Kell:

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

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

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Shielding Her Son

West Investigations

by K.D. Richards

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

She thought she’d escaped her past…

Has it caught up with her?

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

 

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

 

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

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

About K.D. Richards

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

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Harlequin   Amazon    Kobo     B&N 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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

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

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

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

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

He’d booped me.

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

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

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

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

Ben moves closer, our shoulders brushing.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

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

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

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

Not that I care what he thinks.

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

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

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

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

“Yup.”

“Why?”

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

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

“Lots of things.”

“Like what?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Author Heather Van Fleet:

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

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

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