Posts Tagged ‘romantic suspense’

I recently finished reading Ultimate Kill, Kristine’s first book in the Ultimate CORE Trilogy and had a tremendous read.

I’ve included my review in this post.

I’m thrilled to reveal the cover art and synopsis for the second book in the trilogy, Ultimate Fear.

What do you think? Does it creep you out? Does it give you a clue what the story is about?

Leave me a comment. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Ultimate Fear cover

Ultimate Fear—Kristine Mason

When a deranged mother’s grief drives her to replace her dead son over and over, obsession leads to murder…

Chicago detective Jessica Donavan will never stop looking for her missing daughter. Her obsession has destroyed her marriage, but the search is the only thing that helps keep her sane and her mind off of everything she’s lost—her husband and her baby girl. When she uncovers a string of unsolved disappearances and reappearances of a number of baby boys, Jessica turns to her soon to be ex, Dante Russo, a former Navy SEAL turned investigator for the private agency, CORE, to help her fit together the pieces in this perplexing puzzle. But as Dante helps her, she realizes just how much she still craves his support—and his touch.

Dante is still in love with his wife and would do anything to have her back in his life again. He’s been miserable since she left him to deal with the grief over their daughter’s abduction, never understanding how much he grieves as well. When Jessica tells him about the case she’s working, he jumps at the chance to take part in her investigation. He’s hoping not only to save their marriage and ease his personal pain over the loss of their daughter, but also to stop a serial kidnapper from taking another victim.

As Jessica and Dante work side by side, pregnant women begin to turn up missing or dead, and they start to uncover the consequences of another woman’s unfathomable grief. The childless mother doesn’t just want a baby. She wants a newborn straight from the womb.

And when forced to confront the dark and twisted perversion of a mother’s obsession, can Jessica and Dante find their lives again…or merely more death?

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And now for my review of Ultimate KIll, Book One of the Ultimate CORE Trilogy.

ULTIMATE KILL cover

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My Review

Jake finally found Naomi, after five years of searching. Taking a job at CORE, a private investigation company allowed him better access to information. He liked his job and was good at it. Using his new position and his former training as a Marine, he tracked her down. Now, he only has to ask her, why? Why, when they’d planned to be married, have children, grow old together, did she run?

Naomi is shocked when she looks into the eyes of the man she loves. She knew the day could come when he’d find her, but she’s still not prepared. How does she explain leaving him, running and hiding from him? She can’t tell him the truth. About how a monster killed her parents and her brother. A man who’ll stop at nothing to possess her. Jake would have wanted to hunt the man down. And she couldn’t risk losing him to.

Jake still loved Naomi, Lisa, or whatever her name was. They’d been together for three years before she vanished. They’d planned on getting married, having children, and growing old together. Those feelings were still there, as binding as ever, but he’s disappointed. She’s still lying to him. Still trying to protect him.

Mickey has got himself and his twin brother, Harrison, into something really bad. Harrison should have broken this chain some time ago. Mickey pulls him into a job, it goes bad, they end up in prison. Only this time, it won’t be a stay behind bars. It’ll be a permanent dirt nap.

Harrison has a good idea what the devices he helped plant across the country will do, if not the reason why. Only a select few know that, and they never allow the brothers to be alone. It can end only one way. Especially after they meet the boss face to face, and recognize him.

The boss is a very influential, famous man, with an insatiable need for power and that one woman he needs to possess, if only to break her. No one defies him, not even her.

Ultimate Kill has it all. A megalomaniac sacrificing countless innocents just to get that one woman. Two brothers caught in the middle, trying to get out alive. And the woman, trying to hide, to stay alive, and the man who loves her, who’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.

Lots of action, suspense, and some steamy sex scenes will keep you riveted, as the ultimate finale rushes at you. Brace yourself for the Ultimate Kill.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

When the past collides with the present, the only way to ensure the future lies in the ultimate kill…

Naomi McCall is a woman of many secrets. Her family has been murdered and she’s been forced into hiding. No one knows her past or her real name, not even the man she loves.

Jake Tyler, former Marine and the newest recruit to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, has been in love with a woman who never existed. When he learns about the lies Naomi has weaved, he’s ready to leave her—until an obsessed madman begins sending her explosive messages every hour on the hour.

Innocent people are dying. With their deaths, Naomi’s secrets are revealed and the truth is thrust into the open. All but one. Naomi’s not sure if Jake can handle a truth that will change their lives. But she is certain of one thing—the only way to stop the killer before he takes more lives is to make herself his next victim.

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Author Kristine Mason

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good came from writing it. I realized my passion and found a career I love.

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

LINKS:

Website ~ Email ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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Win a copy of Ultimate Kill

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I’ve been reading Rebecca York’s books for years and I’m always excited when she has a new release.

I’ve read from many different series’ and all of them are filled with yummy romance and suspense that leave you breathless.

Check out her newest release of Betrayed.

Enjoy the peek inside.

And remember to enter the giveaway for great prizes!

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Book Information
BETRAYED
Author: Rebecca York
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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Summary
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There is a spy in S&D systems who is leaking top-secret information that could lead to extreme disaster. It’s up to Shane Gallagher to uncover the mole and set things right.
Systems analyst Elena Reyes had no intention of stealing company secrets until her brother’s life was threatened by the cruelest of mobsters. When Elena finally confesses her deeds to Shane, he’s ready to do everything he can to keep her out of danger. But will Shane’s help be enough to protect them, or will his good intentions leave them all for dead?
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Excerpt
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Elena had never thought about seducIng a man. She wasn’t even sure of her moves. But she knew that Shane wanted her, even if he wasn’t prepared to admit it. She also knew he felt protective of her, which was probably part of the conflict he must be feeling.
Before he could come up with another objection, she cupped the back of his head with her hands and brought his face down as she raised her own head toward him.
She hadn’t been sure what would happen. Or perhaps she’d been afraid that he’d wrench himself away from her. But the danger must have affected his emotions as well as her own. When their lips met, it was as though someone had tossed a match into a pile of gasoline- soaked kindling. Invisible flames rose as heat flared between them.
She heard him growl her name and felt him gather her closer as he kissed her with purpose, running his hands up and down her back.
The heat coming off him made her dizzy. She should be afraid, but she kept kissing him, letting him feel all the passion that she’d held inside herself for so long.
Opening her lips, she invited him to explore her mouth, then did the same with him, absorbing his taste and the way the mouth-to-mouth contact sent shock waves to every part of her body.
“You know that you’re playing with fire?” he asked.
“I know what I want.”
“Then take off your clothes.”
Again, a dose of reality. Was she ready to get undressed in front of him? Or was she going to back away—the way he hoped she would.
She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of scaring her off. Not because she was trying to score any points, but because what she wanted hadn’t changed, even if he was trying to make her take a step back.
She did step back, but only a few feet. She kept her gaze on him as she reached for the hem of the T-shirt and pulled it over her head, then let it drop on the floor so that she stood before him naked to the waist…
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Buy Links
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Author Bio
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Rebecca York
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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York’s writing has been compared to that of Dick Francis, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Maggie Shayne. Her award-winning books have been translated into twenty-two languages and optioned for film. A recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, she lives in Maryland near Washington, DC, which is often the setting of her romantic suspense novels.
Social Networking Links
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$50 gift card to a book e-tailer (i.e. Amazon) & an eBook copy of Bad Nights by Rebecca York.

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

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*****

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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Ultimate Kill blog tour

Hi ya’ll. Welcome to my stop on the tour for Ultimate Kill be Kristine Mason

presented by Author Sidekick.

I was really hoping to have my review ready for this tour. Alas, I don’t have it ready, YET. But I’ll be posting it soon.

I can tell ya that the first page has a great hook that will suck you right in and keep you reading until the wee hours. Just like it did to me.

Please browse the post, check out the excerpt, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

ULTIMATE KILL cover

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Description

When the past collides with the present, the only way to ensure the future lies in the ultimate kill…

Naomi McCall is a woman of many secrets. Her family has been murdered and she’s been forced into hiding. No one knows her past or her real name, not even the man she loves.

Jake Tyler, former Marine and the newest recruit to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, has been in love with a woman who never existed. When he learns about the lies Naomi has weaved, he’s ready to leave her—until an obsessed madman begins sending her explosive messages every hour on the hour.

 

Innocent people are dying. With their deaths, Naomi’s secrets are revealed and the truth is thrust into the open. All but one. Naomi’s not sure if Jake can handle a truth that will change their lives. But she is certain of one thing—the only way to stop the killer before he takes more lives is to make herself his next victim.

 

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Goodreads

 

 

About Kristine Mason

kristine mason

 

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good came from writing it. I realized my passion and found a career I love.

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When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

 

LINKS:

Website ~ Email ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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Ultimate Kill

Click on the Rafflecopter to enter.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Sierra 99 cents

I’ve read every book Taylor Dean has written. She’s a favorite author of mine and I’m always looking for her next book.

Once you read one of her stories, you’ll be like me, excited and bursting to tell someone about it.

Sierra is Taylor’s favorite of her books and it’s mine too.

Read my 5 star Review Here.

I was lulled by the cover art but that was just the outside of the book. What happens once you begin reading is a romantic suspense that grabs you and spins you out of control. Setting you down only to grab you again.

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sierra cover

Sierra by Taylor Dean

Have you ever been lost in the woods?

Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.

Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.

Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.

Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.

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Smashwords / Amazon

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Excerpt from Sierra:

This is one of my favorite scenes in Sierra. It’s a pivotal moment, wherein Alyssa’s life can change for the better–or for the worse. After facing extreme cruelty, she is faced with utter kindness. I love the marked difference between her experiences. ~Taylor Dean

“Please sit,” he whispered. Her eyes were drawing him in. She didn’t seem to be scared of him, she seemed to know he wanted to help her. First, he filled a glass with water and held it to her lips. She drank thirstily, but then shook her head negatively when he wanted her to finish all of it. At the sink, he filled a small plastic tub with warm water, grabbed shampoo, and went back to Alyssa. The kitchen sink doubled as his bathroom sink. He had all he needed to clean her up, including a small first aid kit. He knelt in front of her. Once again, he gently touched her chin and lifted her face to his. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. She had the biggest brown eyes he’d ever seen.

“Just relax and let me take care of you, Alyssa,” he whispered softly.

She responded with a slight nod. Sitting in the kitchen chair, he had her slowly lean her head back till it was resting just above the tub. He gently began to wash her hair, first getting it wet and then massaging the shampoo into her scalp. She winced when he touched the spot where dried blood matted her hair, so he was extra gentle there. Her long hair was tangled and filled with dirt and bits of dried leaves. It took some time to get it clean and several refills of warm water in the tub as he rinsed. Alyssa closed her eyes and relaxed for probably the first time in days. He worked conditioner into the long locks and then had her sit up as he gently combed through it, removing all of the snarls. He then parted the hair where the wound on the scalp was located and took a look at the gash. It was angry and red, and it needed stitches, but would have to wait till he could retrieve his medical supplies from the supply room. He disinfected it with alcohol and moved on.

He again knelt in front of Alyssa. Her eyes opened and stared deeply into his, desperately trying to communicate without words. A lone tear fell, drizzling down her cheek. He brushed it away with his fingertips. This was harder than he thought. He knew this was the first gentle touch she’d felt in days. The abuse she had suffered was obvious to him as he noticed her many bruises. He grabbed his kitchen stool and sat before her. Using a washcloth, he began to wipe her face clean. As he worked, their eyes met and held. Ever so gently he wiped the dirt and grime away from days spent outdoors. And with it he wiped away tears and pain.

“Please help me,” Alyssa whispered.

Alex stole a glance at Pa and Adam. Pa’s eyes were closed and a soft snore emanated from him. Adam was wide awake, his shotgun pointed at Alex, but he stared into the fire sullenly. Alex leaned forward to grab the tube of anti-biotic ointment on the table. With his lips to her ear as he brushed past, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be all right, Alyssa. I won’t let them take you, I promise.”

Alex then applied the salve to the small cuts on her face and lips. Each and every one of his ministrations clearly brought relief to her. Every time Alex looked her in the eyes, she met him with eyes that spoke volumes. He refilled the tub and washed her arms and hands and then took his time cleaning her fingernails, occasionally massaging her hand as he looked into her eyes. He also applied cortisone cream to her numerous mosquito bites. Next, he decided to tend to her neck and wrists. He cringed inside at the raw, bloody skin underneath the ropes. The first thing he’d wanted to do was cut the ropes, but he didn’t want to push his luck. However, now it was time. He went to the kitchen counter and unsheathed a kitchen knife. The sound of the knife being unsheathed brought Adam to his feet immediately.

Shotgun aimed at Alex, he yelled, “Put it down, Doc.”

Alex faced him without flinching. “I’m cutting the ropes. They’ve rubbed her skin raw and it’s going to get infected,” he said with steel in his voice. “You can have the knife when I’m done.”

Pa awoke from his snooze in the commotion. “Sit down, Adam. Doc’s right. Let ‘em fix her up,” he growled.

Adam continued to stand, anxiously waiting while Alex cut the rope on her neck and freed Alyssa from her leash. He then cut the other ropes and freed her wrists. She closed her eyes and Alex could see the relief on her face. He wondered just how long she had been bound. He handed the knife to Adam roughly and stared him in the face. “Satisfied?”

“Won’t do any good, I’ll just be puttin’ the ropes back on ya know,” Adam taunted.

Not if I have anything to say about it, thought Alex.

Book Trailer

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Praise for Sierra:

Every now and then you come across a novel that profoundly takes your breath away, and Sierra is that novel. -Kathleen of Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Riveting from beginning to end. Be prepared to read straight through. -Sherry of Fundinmental Book Reviews

I thought I had read romances before, and books like “Jane Eyre” and “A Tale of Two Cities,” I had always considered the peaks of romantic literature. Let me say this. This is the most romantic book I have ever read in my 38 years on this planet! -Ruth of My Devotional Thoughts

What I like most about Sierra was how Taylor lulls you in the beginning, then she shreds the peaceful scene to pieces. It happens so fast you barely have time to comprehend what is going to happen. Just like in real life. -Laura of FUONLYKNEW Book Reviews

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TaylorAuthor 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 that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

Social Media Website Social Media Facebook Social Media Twitter Social Media Goodreads

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BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/22/13

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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You can read my reviews of other books by Taylor Dean by clicking on the titles.

Lancaster House

Lancaster House 

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The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)

The Middle Aisle

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I Have People

I Have People

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Reviewing shortly.

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Finished reading and will review soon.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

SBB Blood Bound Banner

How could I resist this tour!

The cover art intrigued me and after reading the synopsis I was sayin, “I want in!”

Melanie will be awarding the winner’s choice of a backlist eBook to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour to get more entries here!

Don’t forget to leave a comment at each stop.  More chances to win!

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Cover_BoundBlood

Blood Bound

by Melanie Atkins

AMAZON

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BLURB:

 

Fueled by grief after his fiancée is brutally murdered, Detective Sam Walker focuses on finding her killer — a calculating predator who binds books with human skin.  Dani Barrington, the newest member of NOPD‘s Victim and Witness Assistance Unit and a survivor of another frightening attack, helps him discover the terrifying link between the monster’s known victims.  Despite his anguish, Sam is struck by Dani’s strength and determination, especially when her inquisitive  nature makes her the killer’s next target.  He must find a way to protect her or risk losing the one woman who can bring his dead heart back to life.

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Excerpt

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.” NOPD Detective Sam Walker’s low rasp echoed inside the tiny confessional within the deep recesses of St. Mary’s Church. He pressed his damp palms to his thighs. “It’s been nine months since my last confession.”

“Continue.”

“My sins are… indescribable…” He let the word trail off. Sweat pooled at the base of his spine. “I don’t know if I can–“

“You must voice your transgressions, son, to get them off your chest. It’s the only way to gain absolution.”

“I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness.”

“Sam, tell me the truth.” Father O’Malley cleared his throat. “Is this about Kristen?”

“She died a horrible death,” Sam whispered, his heart breaking all over again for his fiancée and the family he would never have with her.

The priest paused.

“It’s been a long time.”

“Eight fucking — sorry, Father.” Sam broke off and swallowed, doing his best to regain his composure. “Eight long months. I thought I was coping, but I can’t get past it. Especially since I’m the reason she’s dead.”

“How did you come to that conclusion?”

Sam pressed his lips together. Every time he thought about his fiancée’s brutal murder, his gut clenched. He should have taken her to dinner that night like he’d promised, instead of letting the job get in the way. The Glock riding his hip was a constant reminder he’d been a detective first, and her intended husband second.

God should damn me straight to hell.

Father O’Malley shifted inside the tiny booth, and the ornate screen between them shuddered. The too-sweet odor of funeral lilies wafted over Sam.

“You didn’t murder her, my son. Some sick, depraved individual did it.”

“I was supposed to protect her.”

“You were doing your job.”

“When I should have been with her. Keeping her safe.” Agony pierced his soul. He dropped his elbows to his knees and hung his head. His voice broke. “I let her die.”

“You didn’t let her die, Sam. A terrible thing happened. It wasn’t your fault. God doesn’t hold you responsible.”

“Well, He should. I’m guilty.”

“Sam–“

“He… he skinned her, Father. I don’t know why, but he did.” Tears burned his eyes.

Clearly shaken, Father O’Malley murmured more words of condolence. “I’ll say another prayer for her soul.”

“It’s my fault she’s gone. I can never do enough penance to make up for it.” Sam shuddered. “Not in this lifetime.”

“I want you to say one Our Father and one Hail Mary.”

Sam barked a harsh laugh.

“That doesn’t even scratch the surface. I can’t even–“

“Wait. I’m not finished.” Father O’Malley regained his poise, and his strong, even tone reverberated in Sam’s ears. “I also want you to pray for the person responsible for Kristen’s death.”

“Hell, no!” Sam blurted, the idea of absolution jolting his brittle psyche. “I can’t pray for that sick son of a bitch. He’s killed four women, including Kristen, after brutalizing them, and we have no idea who he is. We’re working day and night–“

“That’s your penance, son.” Father O’Malley said, gravely. “In addition, you must perform the Act of Contrition and say the Rosary. Don’t let that individual’s cruel soul steal yours.”

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I so have to read this book!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

blood bound authormelanie

Melanie Atkins a multi-published author of romantic suspense, an editor for an online publishing company, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.

Melanie is an active member of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW), the Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronic and Small Press Authors’ Network (ESPAN), the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC), Sisters in Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Southern Writers, the Mississippi Authors Guild and the Byram Writers’ Group. She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.

http://www.melanieatkins.com

http://www.wordpress.melanieatkins.com