Tuesday, December 20, 2022

New Series from Old: Suspense, Romance, Out West in Arizona

Back in 2016, I published the first book in my Love and Murder Series with The Wild Rose Press. All five books eventually came out in audio too. But in the last couple of years, I wanted to update the covers and fine tune the narrative. In order to do that, I needed more control. I asked for the rights back, and thankfully TWRP handed them over. How exciting for me!

I read each book, cover to cover, and made corrections that were amazingly missed before. Another change I wanted was to make the books a bit more western in flavor. Although the titles of each novel remain the same, the new series is called Wild Horse Peaks. Books one and three are now set in Timberline, Arizona. Books two and four are set in Mustang Valley, about an hour outside of Timberline. 

The fifth book is now a sequel that finishes a story thread in book one. And adding to how special this book is...if you are a member of Brenda's Newsletter Group, you receive this sequel FREE. It can be read as a standalone and there are no spoilers to book one. If you'd like to get A Legacy of Love and Murder, a Sequel, for  FREE, then click: Brenda's Newsletter Group

The books will officially release beginning in January, but all of the eBook editions are up for preorder. The print editions will release over the next few weeks.

If you didn't read the Love and Murder Series or only some of them, I hope you'll enjoy reading the Wild Horse Peaks novels.

A woman searching for her past. A sheriff hiding in his present. Their future together threatened by murder. 

Forty-three years after the airplane crash she survived killed her parents, Lacy Dahl is looking for answers. When her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew and disputes the identity of her father, someone is willing to murder to keep her discoveries hidden. 

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the death of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy, he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts make that impossible - saving Lacy may be his only redemption. 

Just as she begins to believe the present is more important than her past, Chance's connection and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. When the truth is revealed, will the revelations free Lacy and Chance…or destroy them?

AMAZON BUY LINK

Writing murder mysteries is all in a day's work until an obsessed fan brings Phoebe’s stories to life. 

Mystery writer, Phoebe Anderson, owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now, someone has actually done it. Taking a few days to re-group on an isolated ranch, she doesn’t expect romance…or murder…to find her. 

Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years before. When Phoebe shakes up his routine, he fights to control his emotions, fearing the pain of opening his heart again. 

With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on the psychopath’s list is Mason.

AMAZON BUY LINK

Penny’s secrets can ruin the presidential contender who ordered her family’s murder…and mark her as the next hit. 

Penny Spark’s desire to reconnect with family this Christmas exposes her true identity—a secret she’s hidden for thirteen years from the political powers that murdered her family. 

Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets Penny, he believes this holiday season could be the start of life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world. 

With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender who targeted her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hopes for a new life…and love.

AMAZON BUY LINK

A vengeful ex-husband and bloody fight for land threaten a love-struck couple’s happiness. 

After an abusive childhood and bad marriage, Laura Katz has finally found a home, stability…and possibly love. But her blissful refuge as nanny on the Meadowlark Ranch, miles from Flagstaff, shatters when her ex is released from prison, determined to reclaim her. 

Randy Silva, the Argentine foreman, has plans for his own ranch, but a brutal land grab is underway. As the battle escalates, Laura steals his heart, but there are outsiders who stand in their way. He’s in a vicious battle for his land—and the woman he wants by his side. 

Stakes are high, as the attacks on Randy and his ranch draw blood. While the vengeful ex-husband stalks Laura, a mob-backed land developer teams with a desperate gambler. Uncertain where the next attack will come from—will their love be caught in the crossfire.

AMAZON BUY LINK


Inheriting an Austrian Castle is an Alpine fairytale for August, until someone begins targeting the heirs.

 

August Myer arrives in Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, only to find he’s died under suspicious circumstances. As one of his heirs, her life is in danger, turning her Alpine adventure into a nightmare of veiled threats, unexplained accidents, and murder.

 

Inspector Tobias Wolf splits his time between catching criminals and fighting the spread of neo-Nazism. But when the beautiful, intriguing American crosses his path during a murder investigation, ensuring her safety challenges his priorities…and his heart.

 

When August learns the handsome inspector is concealing secrets, and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. Can Wolf save her before the killer strikes again?

AMAZON BUY LINK   OR join Brenda's Newsletter Group and receive the book FREE.

Monday, December 19, 2022

Series Characters Become Like Family by Ann Raina #FBI #SerialKiller

MUSE MONDAY

The FBI and a serial killer...the muse has been working overtime for my guest Ann Raina. Read on...

This is the eighth book of the series with Nicolas Hayes, FBI agent, and Jacklyn Hollander, his wonderful but also demanding lover, who is his part-time mistress. After seven books, the couple is like family for me. It’s great to start a new storyline, a new exciting adventure that will lead the FBI agent into a dangerous investigation, but also return to the love those two people share. I’m not one to create relationship disasters for the sake of drama in my novels. I enjoy Nick’s and Jacklyn’s private moments. Yes, they do quarrel sometimes, but none of the issues is threatening their relationship. That’s one part of what I love about writing a series. The other part is the interaction between the agents of the team—Jason Beckham, Matthew Montagna and two others, who appear on the scene frequently. All of them have had their private developments of which the readers know—a new love that leads to more for Jason or a stressful divorce that haunts Matthew up to this time. I like to take the reader onto the journey and hope they enjoy reading my novels as much as I enjoy writing them.

Blurb:

FBI Agent Hayes is confronted with a serial killer whose killing spree started in Florida and continues in Virginia. When the investigation stalls, Hayes has to resort to unusual measures in his effort to identify the killer. Can he get to him before he strikes again? 

Excerpt from Clandestine Dealings: 

Jacklyn untied him, and the moment he was free, Nicolas ripped off the blindfold. “Your mom’s here?”

Jacklyn shouted, “In a minute! Go back, we are not decent.”

“Are you crazy?” Nicolas hissed.

“Oh!” Beatrice exclaimed, and Nicolas imagined her touching her pearl necklace, grimacing with disdain. “Oh, I didn’t think…”

“My stuff’s in the cabin!” Nicolas didn’t know whether he should laugh or be angry. “I can’t get dressed. She knows!”

“Please, mom, go back,” Jacklyn shouted. “We’ll get there in a few minutes!”

“I—I just wanted to let you know we’re having dinner a little early. It’s quite a drive to see the fireworks tonight.”

“Yes, all right.” They heard her closing the door. Jacklyn turned to Nicolas, trying and failing to look contrite. The sparkle in her eyes remained. He knew she lived for moments of adventure, the thrill of the unexpected, the chance of getting caught while doing something naughty. “Sorry about that.”

Nicolas shook his head, then looked to the right and to the open entrance toward the boat house. “This damn thing is actually open to the waterside!”

“Well, yes.”

Nicolas turned back to her. “Are you out of your freaking mind? Someone could have passed by and seen us.”

“So far, you liked it.”

Buying information: 

https://www.extasybooks.com/newreleases/Clandestine-Dealings 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1146151 

https://books.apple.com/us/author/ann-raina/id391505547 

https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B09ZB51DC5/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clandestine-dealings-ann-raina/1141450417?ean=9781487434908

 

 


Wednesday, December 14, 2022

A Mommy by Christmas: Book Spotlight and #Giveaway by Donna Schlachter

WICKED WEDNESDAY

What a wicked good treat...a whole chapter of a book AND a giveaway. Read to the end and good luck!

Tasmyn Wright, consigned to remain single if that’s what God wants, is lonely. Maybe she needs a fur-pet. On a whim, she visits the local animal shelter. A delightful man about her own age helps her choose her new housemate, a long-haired calico she promptly names Belle because the creature is so beautiful. And as captivated as she is with her choice, the kind man at the shelter takes up far too much of her thoughts. But with a new member of her household, her work-at-home job as a print broker, and her volunteer work at the community care center, she has no time for romance. 

Wim Sutton, the widowed father of seven-year-old Noah, loves his job as veterinarian at the shelter. Not only does he get to fix up sick or injured animals, he thrills at matching adoptees with their forever families. Take Tasmyn Wright, for example. Clearly Belle was in kitty heaven-on-earth. Still, he senses the cat will have its work cut out if it’s going to bring Tasmyn out of her shell. Although she occupies a good deal of his thoughts, he needs to focus on his son and his job. Since his wife’s passing suddenly from cancer the year before, Noah has struggled in school and in church. No, he needs to focus on his own family before he even thinks about expanding it. 

About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 50 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. 

Connect online:

www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

www.DonnaSchlachter.com/blog

Check out previous blog posts at www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com and www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter

Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=donna+schlachter 

A Peek Inside:

Friday, November 4th

Christmas Ridge, Colorado 

Chapter 1 

Tasmyn Wright lifted her shoulders to release tension in her neck and back, delighting at the three or four distinct pops signaling vertebrae slipping back into the proper place. She clicked send on the online ordering form on her screen, then made a notation on the cover of her client’s file and added it to the to be filed pile. Which she fully intended to get to—tomorrow.

She loved her work as a print broker. Enjoyed interacting with clients—most of the time. Had a good relationship with several print suppliers. And relished the creative aspect of designing logos and brand marketing. Not to mention the bonus of operating almost entirely from home. She joked about her situation—that she worked from home before it was cool to do that.

But as fulfilling and profitable as her occupation was, it wasn’t her vocation. That, she would have to say, was helping people. Sure, providing a useful and critical service to clients was helpful, but not in the same way her volunteering at the community care center—food bank didn’t even come close to describing her vision for this service—filled a need within the community. And within herself, too.

Despite all the great ideas, and the flyers, and that her ministry—dare she even call it that?—offered multiple food and personal care options, attendance hadn’t grown as she’d hoped. Not that she wanted folks to need help—but in an imperfect world, until Jesus returned, that was bound to be the case.

She opened the community care center spreadsheet and scanned the numbers of attendees over the past three months. Few to none. Her heart sank to her toes. Difficult to justify all the hours she invested at the community center that hosted her care ministry. And unless the numbers increased, her suppliers weren’t likely to want to do more, either. Not to even mention near to impossible to recruit volunteers. Nobody wanted to stand around and twiddle their fingers when they could be more active and involved elsewhere. Like the church daycare. Or the Lions Club Christmas Stocking program. Seemed everywhere she turned at this time of year, another charitable group had something special planned.

Still, if she could help just one family…

But how? In the past, she’d hoped signs in businesses and word of mouth about the food available would convince folks to come out. One evening a week, that’s all. After most had finished work for the day.

But how?

Tasmyn sat back in her chair and chewed on the end of her pen before tossing it on to the desk. What did she hope to achieve with the community care center? To provide nutritious meals for folks struggling with buying groceries.

Her phone rang. “Hello?”

“Yes. Is this the food bank lady?”

Tasmyn winced. Community care center. More than just food for the body. She pasted on a smile, hoping the woman on the other end could feel it. “Yes, it is.”

“I was wondering if you pay utility bills?”

She held back a groan. At least three times a week, calls came in looking for money to pay the cable bill, rent, car repairs. Food, she had. Money, she did not. “No, I’m sorry. We provide fresh and non-perishable food and personal care items right now. Come see us, save your grocery money, and pay your bills with that instead.”

“Okay, thanks. I spent my money on groceries already. But maybe I’ll come see you next week.”

“Have you tried your church? They sometimes have a benevolence fund.”

“Don’t go to church.”

“Well, if you’re looking for—”

The line went dead, and Tasmyn disconnected. The same story, over and over. Either they didn’t fellowship, or they’d worn out their church with their needs. Still, at least this woman called. So many wouldn’t. They’d struggle along until the phone company disconnected their service, the bank repossessed their car, or the power company shut off their electricity. Next, they’d lose their housing. Maybe even their kids if Social Services found out. There had to be a better way.

How to convince folks there was no shame in accepting help?

If she could empower them to make better choices, such as accept free food and use that money to pay bills, that’s how. Show them how to take control of their finances, instead of playing catch-up all the time. Or hide-and-seek from their creditors. Demonstrate how to prioritize their expenses so they didn’t stay in this cycle of running out of money before they ran out of month.

She smiled. This was why she’d started the community care center. Yes, meeting the immediate need was important, but as the adage went, teach a man to fish…

{*} 

A drop of perspiration slid down Wim’s nose, threatening to contaminate the sterile surgical field that contained a now-three-legged Brittany Spaniel, surgical robing, and his instruments.

He turned his head to one side, then wrenched his neck another notch to dislodge the offender. The liquid dropped to the floor.

Wim closed his eyes a moment, pressing his shoulders down to relieve the ache between his shoulder blades. Thank you, God.

The last thing he needed was to have to sterilize the area again. After six surgeries—two emergencies, including this one—and a full day here at the Christmas Ridge Animal Shelter, he didn’t need any more delays.

Three more stitches, a dab with a gauze ball to check for leakage—all looked good. He called out to his veterinary assistant/receptionist. “Harmony. I’m done here. Will you do the final cleanup? I’ll help you move him to a kennel for recovery.”

“Sure, Doc Wim. Let me scrub up first.”

Wim appreciated his assistant’s go-to attitude. Whatever he asked of her, from assisting with a difficult patient, to cleaning up vomit—or worse—in an examination room, to surgical nurse duties—always a smile. A kind word. A gentle touch.

She’d make a fine wife to some young man someday.

He eased down on the anesthesia to prepare for concluding the surgery and moving the dog. The unfortunate creature, found injured on the highway, would awaken minus one front leg. But the amputation went well. The beast was healthy and young, and Wim expected a full and speedy recovery. Only after that would he hopefully find the dog a new forever home.

And speaking of recovery, he had several patients that needed checking before he could even think about picking up his second grader, Noah, from after-school care. Harmony entered, living up to her name, as usual, bringing an air of calm and peace with her.

He nodded and backed away from the table, pausing outside the door to strip off his cotton surgical scrubs and hat, tossing his latex gloves in the trash, then pushing through the swinging doors into the recovery area.

He peered into the kennel containing the most critical patient currently—a green parrot with a prolapsed cloaca, rushed in earlier in the day by a most concerned owner, who thought its insides were coming out. Well, they were. Not the intestines, thankfully. Prolapses were common in the larger birds, as he explained to Mrs. Sawyer, and usually surgery was successful if dealt with immediately. The parrot lay on its side, eyes open, beak moving. Good signs. He checked that food and water were available, watched the respirations for a minute to ensure the animal wasn’t in stress, then moved on to his other patients.

Three cats he’d spayed this morning snoozed in their crates. A dog who’d undergone the removal of his dew claws lifted a sleepy head. All looked well-recovered from their ordeals, and all would likely go home tomorrow. Even the parrot, if he held his own through the night.

The bell over the front door rang, and Wim straightened and checked the clock. Thirty minutes until closing. Always seemed like a few last-minute folks would drop in—hopefully no emergencies.

He stepped into the combination retail area/waiting room. “Mrs. Grant. How are you?”

The woman pulled a piece of paper from her purse. About eighty, dressed in a coat and hat that were at least forty years old, she looked the image of the Queen Mother. She held up the paper with trembling fingers. “I need more of that prescription food. Mollie only likes this kind.” She leaned closer. “She’s fussy. Like me.”

As always, Wim smiled at her. “Not fussy. Particular because she—and you—like the best.” 

Available now: https://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Christmas-Ridge-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B0BG96LFJF  

Giveaway: Answer the following question to be entered into a random drawing for a free ebook copy of A Mommy By Christmas. PLEASE cleverly disguise your email address so you don’t get phished. For example: donna AT livebytheword DOT com

If you don’t leave an email address, you can’t win because we can’t contact you 😊

Question: Do you think you’d like living in a small town like Christmas Ridge? Why or why not?

Monday, December 5, 2022

Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams by Wendy Kendall

MUSE MONDAY

This is what we need this time of year...a doggie and romance. Oh wait! Add some Christmas cookies, and we've got a perfect holiday combination. Thanks, Wendy.

One of the characters in my sweet romance is named Phil. He is a therapy dog. I enjoyed researching the beautiful lives of these darling, trained animals. Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to people, often in visits to hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing home, disaster areas, and more. There are specific breeds that are most trained for this noble mission.

Phil is a beagle, an unlikely therapy animal, but in Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams Phil has his own heartwarming backstory that reveals why he is a great candidate. He completed the training and is now part of the therapy team with his owner George. It's not part of the definition of a therapy dog, but Phil is also a therapeutic influence for George. It's so intriguing to read the impact of Phil on the unlikely, growing relationship between George and Liz.

Phil is an inspiration from Leela, a husky/german shepherd dog owned by one of my sons, Brad. His dog, Leela has a personality that seems compatible for therapy animal training.

Brad is also gourmet chef. Think of the treats for Leela! When I plotted this beautiful romance novel, it was inspired initially by a vision I had of what a delicious Heart of Christmas cookie could mean. I shared my inspiration with my son and he created the completely original, melt-your-soul, delectable cookies. These cookies are all I'd hoped for, just like the story. Brad Riggs' shares his original recipe, included in the book. 

Blurb -

          Liz buried her hopes three years ago when she buried her husband. She hides under a corporate desk, struggling for time with her young son and his grandmother Violet.

          George is chef at the assisted living facility where Violet recovers from an accident. He loves his adopted beagle, Phil. This tail wagger is George's only family. They are a therapy animal team for the patients.

          Juggling work, her son, and Violet is complicated for Liz. Continual collisions with meddling George irritate, and intrigue her.

          Violet plots a cookie bake, as matchmaker and to reunite her family. She conspires with George as chef, not realizing it puts his job at risk. Could baking together soften Liz's heart?

          Phil's sudden disappearance interrupts plans. George is desperate to find his dog. The search leads him into a surprising twist of fate, and accidentally pulls Liz along with him. 

Excerpt -

          George took off his black chef shirt, putting it on the front seat of the car. He rolled up the sleeves of his blue shirt, revealing toned forearms. Liz's glance lingered. She called her assistant to have the VP of Sales step in to host the client. Disaster avoided. Someone else could help. She felt like celebrating. She scratched Phil's tummy, talked nonstop to George about his cooking, baking, and recipes, while she stole admiring glances at his physique, including his broad shoulders and flat stomach. When he finished, he put the jack and flat tire into the trunk. “You're all set to drive.”

          “I don't know how I can thank you, but I'll find a way. This was really nice of you.” Impulsively she hugged him. The warmth of his arms wrapped around, then her phone rang. They broke apart, and Phil barked. She looked into George's brown eyes.

          He grabbed his shirt off the driver's seat. “I'm happy to help.” He turned toward the building and called Phil.

          She glanced at her phone screen and let it go to voicemail. Had she misjudged George? She'd actually felt comfortable talking with him She hadn't talked about baking in years. It felt good. When she hugged him, she'd surprised herself. What a pleasant embrace.

          She drove across the lot to the exit, smiling to have all tires turning. She waited for a chance to turn onto the road, one problem solved. Maybe today she could dream of a little dream? In the rear-view mirror, her back window was fogged. She turned onto the road with an unfamiliar feeling of hope, although she had no idea what might be around the corner. 

Buy Links -

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63017864-heart-of-christmas-cookies-dreams?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=wu7HTncoKA&rank=1

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Christmas-Cookies-Dreams-Kendall-ebook/dp/B0BGCRBNDJ

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-christmas-cookies-dreams-wendy-kendall/1142332243?ean=2940186597766  

Contact Links -

Website – WendyWritesBooks.com

Website url - https://sites.google.com/site/wendywriteshere/

Facebook – WendyKendallMysteries

Twitter - @wendywrites1

Instagram – wendyekendall 


Bio - 

The result of Wendy Kendall's passion for purses, mystery and romance is the intriguing In
Purse-Suit Mysteries
. Kat Out of the Bag introduces Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth.  As Kat moves from designer bags to body bags, she's uncovering clues to a murder. The prequel, Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case. Finalist for Best Romantic Suspense at Killer Nashville, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For creates a tangle of mystery and love and raises suspicions about Desiree's romantic new sweetheart, Leo. A read that will keep you on the edge of your beach towel, Cherry Shakes In The Park blends danger, divas, and frothy delights. And ribbons of love run through Wendy's newest book, Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams. Wendy enjoys investigating the Pacific Northwest life, and she leaves a trail of her own clues as a blogger, YouTube podcaster, speaker, project manager, and syndicated columnist.

 

Friday, December 2, 2022

What's Holding You Back by D. V. Stone #FearlessFriday

 FEARLESS FRIDAY

Please welcome D.V. Stone to Discover... Her take on fearless is worth reading. Enjoy!

Thank you, Brenda, for inviting me to your Fearless Friday blog.

I’m trying to think of something fearless. I’m not afraid of too much. Spiders will send me running. Snakes, mice, and other creepy crawly things may startle me, but I’m not scared of them. I’ve repelled off of a three-story building and gone cave-splunking. I’ve driven over 100mph and taken several long road trips alone. Let’s say I’m adventurous. So why am I here talking about rash or life-changing?

Many of us don’t think what we do is life-changing. How many of you get up every day to feed your kids and trudge off to work so tomorrow you can feed them again? How many start new lives after divorce? Me, and many of you, too, I bet. How many have taken all your money and sunk it into a new business or returned to school? Me, and many of you, too, I bet.

So, besides all the things that are supposed to frighten us, I think the most life-changing thing is to get up every day and do what we can. We don’t know what’s coming down the road. And most importantly, realize that each of our lives is important and life-changing.

Things happen. Maybe you will lose a job like I did. That was terrible. Half of our household income disappeared in a flash, and we didn’t make a lot. Ultimately, I found a new job, but in the middle of the anxiety and depression, I took a step that brought me here today.

I began to write. Self-doubt and fear nearly overwhelmed me. Who did I think I was, thinking I could author a book? But I kept at it. It was my secret. No one could access my computer, so I indulged. Then came the day I had to let someone else look at it and critique it. Terrifying. Most of us worry what others will think, especially creatives. The choice always comes down to three things

1.    Stop and stay. But where does that get you?

2.    Wait. But will that eventually turn into #1?

3.    Go ahead and give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen? Now, I’m not talking about taking the mortgage money and buying a lottery ticket. What I’m saying is that to the best of your ability, take a step toward your dream. Test the water. If it’s only fear holding you back, smack that down.

In my newest book Kisa, she thought she knew what was expected. Duty and honor were her everyday companions until she took a leap and allowed herself to fall in love with someone she shouldn’t have. She didn’t understand; as everyone else’s caregiver, she deserved love. They did and approved her match.

What’s holding you back?


In a war between humans and shifters, sparks and fur fly…Until scales appear.
Princess Kisa, the middle daughter in the shifter nation of Dar, is often overlooked and underestimated. Always the devoted caregiver of family and country, she’s come to terms with her future as a Shield-Mate in a political marriage. Many, including Kisa, are surprised when her father names her as heir to his throne.
Kalman, once a privileged son of the former protectorate Sorota, is an outcast and man without a future. The people of Ruinae consider him a weak, self-indulgent man. Only his trusted servant knows the heart of the soldier beneath the veneer.
Forces are gathering against the two countries, and now dragons, long banished to the outland, have returned. Kisa and Kalman are charged by King Dar to find out how entrenched the dragons are with the enemy. Since a long-ago meeting, Kalman never forgot the spitfire Lynx-shifter. He’s no longer the boy she’d met, but a man. One determined to have her despite their differences. But Kisa can’t fall in love with the enemy. Can she? Would her people accept not only the son of Sorota but one whom her family also seeks retribution?

Amazon Buy Link


D. V. Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre, traditionally and independently published author. She writes books people want to read. Whether romance or fantasy, her stories are about the importance of


friends and family. About overcoming obstacles while doing it with humor.

Amazon Author Page

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Character Confession by Amber Daulton #RomanticSuspense

WICKED WEDNESDAY

A hot female singer and a one night stand...make a Wicked Wednesday wickedly fun! 

I’m Benji Starwell, the hero from Amber Daulton’s latest romantic suspense novel, Arresting Benjamin.  There are more than a few villains in my story who wanted to either derail my romance with Belle or end our lives, but I’m not going to give those people the time of day and talk about them. Instead, I’m going to tell you about the first time I saw Belle perform live for an audience.

First of all, she was wickedly hot. I’m going to get that off my chest right now.

Second, the brick wall she’d had around her heart at the time was at least a foot thick and topped with barbed wire—and I was determined to break down that wall.

So there I was at a rough music bar, surrounded by gangbangers getting free drinks and women in club dresses that left little to the imagination. Then Belle struts out onto the stage with her slick guitar and her succulent lips the color purple. The silky blouse and short skirt she wore nearly dropped me to my knees. And then there were her knee-high black boots. Talk about mouth-watering.

Sorry! I’m getting off track. She invited me to the bar because she wanted me to see her perform and hear her songs, which she wrote herself. She didn’t think I could handle her strength, her pain, her ballsiness. Her songs are all about woman empowerment, and one in particular went into detail about how she wanted to blowtorch her cheating ex’s family jewels. Ouch, but there you go. Her songs didn’t scare me off. How could they? I admired her so much for drawing on her life experience to write some hard-rocking ballads.

As she sang her heart out and ripped into the guitar, I was amazed. Not only did my woman have guts, she had talent. I learned a lot about her from her lyrics, and I knew right then and there she was the one for me.

Do you want to read this scene for yourself? My book is now available from the links below. 

Blurb 

A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker.

Mechanic Benjamin Starwell cant stop thinking about Belle Hamlin, the ballsy musician he slept with and skipped out on months earlier. He never meant to get her pregnant, but he’ll do whatever it takes to win back her trust and be a part of his child’s life. His desire for Belle drives him to be a better man, but he’s worn thin with a garage to run and his estranged sister dumping her troubles on him.

Belle’s juggling impending motherhood, her indie rock career, and a stalker who’s determined to see her fail. Even though she’s desperate to get her priorities straight, she pushes aside her past hurt and welcomes Benji back into her bed. She never expects him to slip into her heart.

When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child. 

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Universal link - https://books2read.com/arrestingbenjamin/

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About the Author 

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

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Monday, November 21, 2022

Going Back by Anastasia Abboud

MUSE MONDAY

Time travel, PTSD, and love...interesting combination and sounds like a great read. Anastasia is here to tell us about it on this Muse Monday.

Is it true that we can never go back? Short of time travel, it’s probably true that we can’t physically go back. What if we suffer loss, hurt, guilt from events of the past? How do we deal with it, move past it in order to live happy, productive lives? 

Personally, I believe that love has great healing power that can lead to redemption, renewal, and hope. 

Falling from fourteenth century Scotland to modern times, Lachlann has lost everyone and everything he loved. The hardest part for him is that he lost them before he even fell. Survivor guilt eats at him constantly. Unspoken grief and trauma – PTSD – allow little room for relief. For him, life – living – has become a burden, something he simply can’t escape. He holds onto one vague hope, that he might be able to travel back in time, just as he traveled forward, to change even one thing. If only he could figure out how… 

Deidre has also suffered hurt, disillusionment, and loss. She risked all for a man who turned out to be a malicious liar. Through her own childish mistakes, she destroyed her relationship with her parents and lost both her job and her self-respect. For all the world, she wishes that none of it had ever happened. She’s moved on, but she lives with regret. 

Can Lachlann and Deidre help each other? Can they find peace? Would they have to go backwards to heal? Or can they move forward together? 

Excerpt from Tremors Through Time 

Lachlann sauntered across Deidre’s driveway just as she was locking her front door. She turned toward him, smiling. He froze. She was wearing a saffron-colored leine, or tunic, underneath a blue, fitted surcoat. He should have known! She was a woman from his own time. His heart and head began to pound as he stared at her.

“Lachlann?” Deidre’s voice reached him, soft and hesitant. “Don’t you like my costume?”

Costume. Of course, it was a costume. He struggled to regain his voice as his heart rate calmed. “It’s great,” he managed, giving himself a mental shake. Fool!

“Thank you,” she replied, her voice still uncertain. She looked at him inquiringly. “I surprised you, didn’t I? I’m sorry. I should’ve warned you. I like to wear something fairly authentic in case I run into
some of my students.”

“You do look authentic.” He managed a wink. “Bonnie as well.”

She blushed. “You’ve probably seen lots of costumes like this in Scotland.”

“Not so many, and none in Texas.”

It was a wonder to him that he was still standing. Her costume, as she called it, was perfect. She might have fallen through time like himself. It was an even greater wonder that he had not yet carried her off to bed. He’d never wanted anyone as he wanted her.

Now, dressed in such a familiar manner, she suddenly seemed more tangible than ever. She looked magnificent, the clothing emphasizing her generous breasts and hips, her deep red tresses flowing freely down her back.

His mouth went dry as he wondered how he might persuade her to dress like this more often.

Their eyes met. To hell with time.

He stepped toward her.

She's made mistakes and paid the price, but Deidre Chisolm is no quitter. She'll never again be a fool for a man, not even her gorgeous new neighbor with his haunted eyes and strange accent. She'll be friendly, but nothing more. 

Lachlann has to go back to fourteenth-century Scotland. He can't forsake his family, his son. But when a beautiful, kind, funny lady buys the house next door, he's never been so drawn to anyone in his life. Would she believe his story? After years of struggling through nightmares and flashbacks, headaches and illiteracy, dare he ask her to help him return? 

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Author Bio: 

For me, playing is the best -- playing outdoors in nature or in my garden, experimenting in the kitchen, spending time with those I love. I also enjoy disappearing into a good book, attempting crafts, learning, writing, exploring, discovering. I especially like to mix it up and have yet to perfect any of it; and I've come to realize that perfection's not the point. It's all wonderfully fun. That's the point!

​I prefer authentic and natural, be it food, lifestyle, people. I passionately enjoy both history and science, and certainly sociology to a degree, and I am most truly a romantic.

​​My husband and I have been married for over forty years. We reside near Houston, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. We have a blast with our little grandchildren.

​I thank God for this wonderful life.
 

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