Wicked is as Wicked Does: Wicked Wednesday with J. D. Webb

 WICKED WEDNESDAY

My guest, J. D. Webb, deals in multiple villains. Enjoy this look at his book this Wicked Wednesday.

Wicked villains:

Frequent Flier villains are members of a drug cartel. A splinter group from a huge operation run by Ukrainian Oligarch. Not the most competent organization, but they get by. Two brothers keep the drugs flowing by recruiting high schoolers as runners.

A young friend of ex-military pilot, Matt Pearson, is a reluctant recruiting target. Matt steps in to convince the recruiters to back off. It doesn’t go well. Matt gets the upper hand but that just increases the efforts.

Excerpt:

A commotion outside prompted Matt to enter the hallway.

Luis stood in front of his apartment. Two Hispanic guys flanked him. One other boy rubbed his shoulder. The two swiveled to see who’d entered the hallway.

Matt approached. “Luis, is everything okay?” He heard Sharon open the door wider.

Luis didn’t say anything.  

The tallest boy sneered at Matt. “You need to go back inside.” They looked to be teenagers or early twenties.

“Do you own this building, son?”

“No and I ain’t your son. Leave.”

“Now there we have a problem. I’m not the owner of the building either, but I’ve been invited here. How about you? Have you been invited?”

The guy faced Matt. He was about two inches taller than Matt and had the muscles of someone who worked out. His sharp face featured a short goatee and a ring in his nose. Gold chains hung around his neck across the front of a T-shirt with the lettering J-Boyz. Tan cargo pants partially covered a pair of brown, pointed-toe Western boots. 

The boy bounced on his feet and curled his hands into fists. His frizzy black hair bounced as well. “I’m telling you to go back inside before you have a problem. Me an’ Luis are having a discussion and it don’t concern you. Beat it.” He turned back to Luis and waited. “I don’t hear your door closing,” he said.

“Funny, I didn’t either. It would be advisable for you to leave now. Luis, are you finished with this conversation?”

Luis nodded.

“Well, there you have it Mr…. I didn’t catch your name. We’re done here.”

The guy dropped his shoulders and rushed Matt. Matt sidestepped and grabbed the gold chains. He pulled down and the man face-planted on the floor. Matt took the young man’s wrist and twisted, cupping the hand, putting pressure on the wrist.

He lifted the boy and stood him facing the wall. The second boy had not moved, and his jaw was wide open. His expression revealed this rarely happened. 

Matt took a step back. “Are you listening to me, ah, what was your name again?”

“Stone. Ahh, name is Stone.”

“Mr. Stone, we’re done here. You need to leave, and I don’t think you should come around anymore. Got it?” Matt gave an extra push on the hand. A yelp let him know it worked. He turned Stone around and tugged his goatee. A smear of blood had formed under his nose. “Didn’t hear you?”

“We’re done.” His lips said it, but his eyes disagreed. He rubbed his wrist and arm. “I’ll remember you.”

“I’ll remember you, Mr. Stone. If we meet again, I won’t be so kind.”

“Me neither.” Stone motioned to the other boy as he shook out his hand. He glanced back and they left.

“What was that about, Luis?”  

“They wanted me to go to a party with them. I said no and Stone shoved me. Said I disrespected him.”

Blurb:

Ex-military pilot Matt Pearson in San Diego for a short visit meets the ‘perfect’ woman. A six-month whirlwind romance succeeds in her saying yes to his proposal. What followed should have been Nirvana. If only. It wasn’t to be. A confrontation with a drug cartel never results in peace.  

 

Buy Links for Frequent Flier:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Frequent-Flier-J-D-Webb-ebook/dp/B0GHZG9Z58/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2M8O33AMW2RZT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dLmESGccLmw5Wv3vvSeHJw.KtlEFAWAGTRZUS9aPNQX8QyLD2HQfmbquK07g0FPruM&dib_tag=se&keywords=frequent+flier+webb&qid=1782517004&sprefix=frequent+flier+webb,aps,235&sr=8-1

Wild Rose Press:

https://wildrosepress.com/product/frequent-flier/

 

Bio:

J. D. Webb, served in the Air Force in Viet Nam and the Philippines as a Chinese linguist, as a corporate transportation manager, then shoe repair and sales shop owner, before becoming an author. Obviously had trouble keeping a job.

An award-winning author of seven novels, an anthology and two short stories. Incredible Witness the anthology was a finalist in the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion awards. Bayou Chase, a thriller, was published September 2023 by Wild Rose Press.

His next thriller, Free To Be Me, released in July 2025. As a pre-published manuscript, it was selected as a Top Pick at the 2024 Killer Nashville Claymore Awards. In 2026 it placed first in the annual NEST awards suspense category.

A second thriller titled Frequent Flier was released in 2026. This is a series with a third and fourth book under development.

Shepherd’s Pie coming soon. Chicago PI becomes the target of a killer.

Her Name Is Mommy coming soon. Chicago PI thwarts a kidnapping.

In 2023 Webb was honored to be elected to the Midwest Writer’s Workshop Board of Directors.

A recent move relocated him to Gallatin, TN. Currently learning to speak Southern.

 

Contact links:

Facebook:

facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/jdavewebb/

Website:

https://jdwebb.com/

Threats and Promises...A Wicked Wednesday Post by Laura Strickland

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Please welcome Laura Strickland to Wicked Wednesday on Discover... I've heard of love and marriage--can't have one without the other. But how about marriage and murder?

A Woman Pushed to the Edge…

There are undoubtedly good reasons for getting married (Hey, I’ve found my soul mate!) and not-so-good reasons (It was impulse, and anyway he’s freaking hot!) And then there might be purely wicked reasons…

Annista MacRowan, the heroine of my newest Scottish Historical romance, Threats and Promises, adored and cherished her sister, Robena. Gentle and sweet where Annista is fiery and rebellious, they nevertheless felt like halves of the same coin. But Robena was bartered away in marriage to the vicious son of their father’s friend, and has now perished under suspicious circumstances. In order to maintain the alliance, Annista’s father wishes to barter her away also, to the very same man…the one Annista is convinced is responsible for Robena’s death.

What’s a woman to do? She might rage and refuse the union, but the truth is that women in sixteenth-century Scotland had very few choices and almost no say in their futures. Sometimes, therefore, it’s best to be clever and devious. As Annista’s mother advises her, marriage to the monster formerly wed to Robena will be a good way to get close to him. Close enough to employ the sharp dagger Mother presses into her hands.

Entering into marriage for the sole purpose of murder comes with great risks. Perhaps that’s why fate steps in and arranges for Annista to marry not the monster, but his younger brother—a dreadful inconvenience. That doesn’t mean she has to abandon her plans for revenge…

 

Threats and Promises Blurb:

Bartered in marriage to the man Annista believes killed her sister, she enters into the agreement with vengeance in her heart, promising she will use the opportunity to destroy him. Yet when she arrives at her new home, she discovers she is destined to wed not that villain but his brother Alan instead.

Alan MacKallan wants no part of marrying the woman sent to take her sister’s place in securing a political alliance between their families. But he cannot allow another innocent to fall into his cruel brother’s hands. And though he and Annista vow their marriage will be in name only, amid the ensuing rush of danger, intrigue, and attraction that may be a promise they just can’t keep.

 

Buy links:

Amazon US:

https://www.amazon.com/Threats-Promises-Bartered-Scots-Brides-ebook/dp/B0GX2YFWG6

Amazon Canada:

 https://www.amazon.ca/Threats-Promises-Laura-Strickland/dp/1509266062/

Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Threats-Promises-Bartered-Scots-Brides-ebook/dp/B0GX2YFWG6

Amazon Australia:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Threats-Promises-Bartered-Scots-Brides-ebook/dp/B0GX2YFWG6

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/threats-and-promises-laura-strickland/1149911209?ean=2940185033326

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/threats-and-promises-3?sId=7f49f494-4721-4b5d-8190-b66e6c057291&ssId=CWpPq3PILPNf4YgMqsFYu&cPos=1

iTunes:

https://books.apple.com/ca/book/threats-and-promises/id6762280234

Multi award-winning author Laura Strickland delights in time traveling to the past and searching out settings for her books, be they Historical Romance, Steampunk or something in between. Her first Scottish Historical hero, Devil Black, battled his way onto the publishing scene in 2013, and the author never looked back. Nor has she tapped the limits of her imagination. Venturing beyond Historical and Contemporary Romance, she created a new world with her ground-breaking Buffalo Steampunk Adventure series set in her native city, in Western New York. Married and the parent of one grown daughter, Laura has also been privileged to mother a number of very special rescue dogs, and is intensely interested in animal welfare. Her love of dogs, and her lifelong interest in Celtic history, magic and music, are all reflected in her writing. Laura's mantra is Lore, Legend, Love, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Wicked Without Chaos: The Mind of a Conqueror by Kayelle Allen

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Villains are wicked of course, but a my guest, Kayelle Allen, has a villain with more depth than most. Enjoy her Wicked Wednesday post! 

Pietas, known as the Bringer of Chaos, doesn’t create chaos by mistake. He creates it on purpose.

When we talk about chaotic villains, we often mean unpredictable. Reckless. Destructive for the sake of it.

Pietas is none of those things.

That’s what makes him dangerous.

He doesn’t lash out. He doesn’t lose control. He doesn’t act without purpose. Every decision is measured. Every action has intent. He doesn’t need permission to take control of a situation—he simply does.

There’s a kind of wickedness that comes from excess. And then there’s the kind that comes from certainty.

Pietas knows exactly who he is.

He was born into power, raised to command, and forged in a system where loyalty wasn’t optional—it was enforced. Structure defined everything. Authority wasn’t questioned because it didn’t need to be.

Until it was gone.

Exiled to a world where none of those structures exist, Pietas doesn’t lose power.

He loses the safeguards that kept it contained.

On this world, there are no institutions to enforce loyalty. No systems to define right from wrong. No one to step in when a decision goes too far.

And Pietas still believes he’s right.

That’s the kind of wickedness that doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t roar or burn or destroy everything in sight.

It simply… acts.

And expects the world to adjust.

But power without structure isn’t stability. It’s pressure. And pressure reveals.

Especially when he’s forced into an alliance with a person who has every reason not to trust him.

Because Pietas doesn’t see himself as the villain.

He sees himself as necessary.

And that’s where things get complicated.

Watch Your Six, the last book in the Bringer of Chaos series, releases this August.

If you’d like to see how that kind of power behaves when the rules disappear, you can start the series here, with Lights Out. If you’re already familiar with the story, you can access a sample of Watch Your Six here.

Kayelle Allen is a worldbuilder who writes with a scalpel, a strategist of tenderness, and who understands that the most dangerous thing in any universe isn't power—it's attachment. To sum it up: “Epic scale. Microscopic pain. Absolutely intentional.”

Claim your immortality and enter the Empire https://kayelleallen.com/immortality
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kayelleallenbooks
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/kayelleallen.bsky.social

Wicked X 2 by Joanne Guidoccio

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Please welcome back Joanne Guidoccio to Wicked Wednesday on Discover... This mermaid tale sounds intriguing and a fun read!

Two wicked mermaids, a mother-and-daughter duo, are determined to make a lesser mermaid’s life even more difficult. And they’re well positioned to do so: La Bella is the tribe’s elder, and Annabella is the elder-in-waiting.

Here is a “wicked” excerpt from my novelette, Hippie Mermaid:

Terrified. It was the only word I could use to describe the expression on Mama’s face. I couldn’t read Annabella’s face, and I permitted myself only a quick glance at La Bella. Almost a carbon copy of Annabella, her features appeared sterner and more unapproachable. I was in some kind of trouble; that I knew for sure.

La Bella approached and poked me on the shoulder. Hard. I winced but said nothing. Whenever I had displeased Mama or Aunt Lina, I had received a gentle reprimand. Physical violence was taboo in the kingdom, though I heard of altercations among the Onas and mermen.

“You are a disgrace to your tribe and the Kingdom. How dare you pressure my daughter into accompanying you on your trysts? By all means, tag along with the Ettas, but do not presume to go any higher.” La Bella turned to Mama. “Did you and your sister not learn your lessons?”

“I didn’t pressure Annabella,” I said. “She asked me to accompany her.”

Mama gasped and put her hand to her mouth. I had been taught to tell the truth and hold nothing back. Why was Mama so upset?

Annabella laughed. A cruel laugh. One I had not heard before. She spoke directly to La Bella, “I felt sorry for her situation and decided to befriend her. I went along with her foolish desire to find a man and escape from the clutches of her mother and aunt.”

Mama’s eyes clouded. For a split second, there was uncertainty. Annabella’s lies had found an easy target. I longed to comfort Mama, but I needed to confront Annabella right now. Or at least, that’s what I thought I had to do. “Why are you lying?”

“How dare you accuse my daughter?” La Bella grabbed my arm and squeezed even harder. “Mermaids have been banished to Crete for less.” She withdrew her hand and closed her eyes.

Mama whispered. “Say nothing.” She turned to La Bella. “Please let me deal with this.”

La Bella shook a finger at Mama. “Right now, I have too much on my plate. But we will not let this go.”

Annabella’s eyes glittered with excitement. She would be chief elder in one week’s time and have a say in my punishment. A shocking realization washed over me. Had she planned this all along? Trifle with a lesser mermaid and then test her new powers?

From sea to shore, betrayal follows her wherever she goes. 

On Christmas Eve, psychic Kendra Adams reveals the secret she’s hidden for decades—she was once Rosina, a mermaid torn between sea and shore. Betrayed in her ocean kingdom and desperate to escape banishment, she persuades a politician to smuggle her into the human world. But freedom on land comes at a cost, as she soon finds herself ensnared in another web, this one spun by the politician’s power-hungry sister. 

Buy Links

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Hippie-Mermaid-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon CA  https://www.amazon.ca/Hippie-Mermaid-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Author Bio

Joanne Guidoccio enjoyed a rewarding career teaching mathematics, business, and co-operative education courses before retiring to pursue writing. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she writes paranormal romances, cozy mysteries, and inspirational stories from her home base of Guelph, Ontario. Find her at https://www.joanneguidoccio.com. 

Social Media Links 

Twitter:                       https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio

Bluesky:                      https://bsky.app/profile/joanneguidoccio.bsky.social

Pinterest:                     https://www.pinterest.ca/jguidoccio

Facebook:                   https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio

Goodreads:                  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio

LinkedIn:                    https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Guidoccio/e/B00FAWJGCG 

Vampire Wicked by Frankie Sutton

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Today's guest on Discover... for Wicked Wednesday is Frankie Sutton. Frankie is going to share a wicked scene from her book, Vampiric Crush. Vampires qualify as wicked, I'd say. Tell us about yourself, Frankie.

Howdy, I’m Frankie. Being born and raised within Motown, aka Detroit, it’s no surprise that creativity is in my blood. I’ve experimented with scripts, role playing, songwriting, novels, poems. After dabbling with Hollywood (appearing in two movies and a music video) and doing local singing contests, I found my home in writing novels (and poetry). 

Tell us a little about the book, Frankie.

Shae Taizer hides in the protective Royale Realm, away from the reach of Gerard, the infamous manipulative Vampire King. Yet she seeks a way to rid herself of the vampire's crush on her, denying him an ally in his quest for pleasure. She would rather
die than become his Vampire Queen. 

But after recalling a childhood of being raised among Civilians, she is gifted her own Pandora's Box. She discovers a prophecy bonding her to two Civilians, Nickolas and Kiran. One is the key to defeating Gerard. However, reuniting with them ignites something more sinister--her own Vampiric Crush.

Where can we purchase Vampiric Crush?

Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ag4SKt (Kindle) & https://a.co/d/4LeOR06 (Paperpack)

Now, let's have a wicked excerpt from the book.

While observing the arrival of the others entering the room, Shae’s eyes narrowed wickedly. She bared fangs at Dorian while briefly levitating. “How nice of you to join us.” She smirked at Diane. “It’s a pity that I must take leave now…just as things were getting so juicy with your husband.” Darkness wrapped around Shae’s figure. 

“Shae, please…” Nick’s voice was a shocked whisper coming from his crumbled cowering position as she settled back down on the rug. She took a step toward the door and the lackeys rose off their knees. 

Dorian stepped forward, standing next to Nick. “That’s not Shae.” 

As Shae stopped at the doorway, the lackeys moved to file out of the room via the hole in the wall. “You are of no use to me in this sorry state,” she scoffed. A distracting glow of blue formed within her peripheral. She whirled around and there was Dorian, standing tall and determined despite his slight frame. The rippling muscles in his arms only begot her amusement, evil laughter rippling from within. “Oh, my foolish husband. Or should I say ex-husband. You want to play?” 

Before Dorian could even react, she swept one of his legs with remarkable agility and he fell backward. Jumping atop him, she whispered a spell and sucker punched Dorian with a heavy fist—knocking him out cold. 

“MOM. DAD!” 

Diane turned to see Riley standing in the doorway. “Riley!” 

Shae slowly stood up over a now unconscious Dorian. She turned her attention to the girl, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. “Foolish little Riley…” 

“Riley, go back to your room.” Nick’s voice trembled, as he tried to warn his daughter away. 

“Shae, stop hurting my family!” Riley, yet again, dared to face the danger. 

“You are trying my patience!” Her rage was building. Shae took a swipe at Riley. 

Diane snatched Riley out of harm’s way. “Nick…do something!” She sent him a disappointed glance before rushing Riley out of the bedroom. 

“Shae, stop this now.” Again, Nick grabbed her upper arm. “Don’t let Jacquain’s path be yours.” 

For a moment, she hung her head, “Nick, please…” Save me! 

But Nick’s hesitation was much too long. Their bond wasn’t strong enough yet. 

She shoved him away with a snarl. “You try that again…and you’ll lose a daughter.” Then Shae vanished from their home.

You can connect with Frankie Sutton here:

Website: CreatorFrankie.com

Twitter: https://x.com/MotownCountry

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/frankiesutton.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motowncountry/

Truly Wicked with Randy Overbeck

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Join me in welcoming Randy Overbeck back to Wicked Wednesday on Discover... Always a great guest post.

Sadly, there is no shortage of wicked in our world. All you have to do is look around. The news with the latest homicide or the newest political scandal. And what’s with everyone’s fascination with true crime…and serial killers. Not to mention, mysteries and thrillers are the second most popular genre for readers—behind romance, who doesn’t love a romance? We are fascinated by wicked, though we prefer it tugged safely in the pages of our latest read or captured on the screens of our phones or 58’ television.

Wicked is okay as long as it is…out there.

With my newest title, Red Shadows at Saugatuck, I have tried to give readers what they want—some wicked inside the pages of the novel—and, at the same time, cross the line into the reality of truly wicked. This new novel is the fourth entry in my Haunted Shores Mysteries, the bestselling series which has captured twelve national awards, including BEST BOOK AWARD (Chanticleer) GOLD AWARD (Literary Titan) and MYSTERY OF THE YEAR (ReaderViews). Each tale is mystery and a ghost story and each revolves around a murder connected to some larger wicked. Earlier entries have tackled such wickedness as racial injustice (Blood on the Chesapeake)  and human trafficking (Crimson at Cape May).

Red Shadows at Saugatuck (2025) follows in these well-trod footsteps. This time the narrative is set on the west shore of Lake Michigan, on what’s known as the Art Coast. Like Cape May and Crystal River, Saugatuck is a quaint, charming resort town in Michigan visitors flock to in the summer. And for this entry, I chose to entangle the murder mystery in a wicked beyond belief, a wicked  that would come to be known as MMIW, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women—though that label did not yet exist at the time the story is set in (2007).

Through my research for the novel, I learned some shattering truths about this wicked—

·       Ten times as many Native women and girls disappear as white females each year (and Natives make up 1.1% of the US population compared to 60.6% for whites)

·       In 2023 (the latest year with stats) more than 16,000 Native women and girls are reported missing

·       Because of lack of coordination between local, state and federal authorities, the numbers of kidnapped, abused and murdered indigenous women and girls are most certainly higher than even these numbers

·       And these atrocities have been going on for decades (at least) because until recently there was little effort to collect this data and follow up on reports

·       Also, the US is not alone. Canada is confronted with the same wicked, as their numbers of MMIW are just as staggering.

Talk about sobering statistics of a real life wicked.

When readers dive into the pages of Red Shadows at Saugatuck, they will not only discover another beautiful resort town nestled against the fresh waters of Lake Michigan, they’ll get a tale about family and love and relationships sparked by a spunky five-year-old named Leo. And they’ll encounter another satisfying ghostly whodunit like the earlier entries, which won Mystery of the Year honors. But, perhaps most important, they will be confronted with the reality of a truly horrendous wicked, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. 

I think Red Shadows at Saugatuck is my best work yet and early critics agree.

“Thoughtful, deeply human and low-key terrifying.”—Literary Tita

“Mesmerized from the very first page right up to the last.”—ReaderViews

“A paranormal mystery while stole my heart and took my breath away. Truly, one of the finest books ever written.”—N N Light Bookheaven

Here’s a bit about Red Shadows at Saugatuck.

Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.”

Now, they both can see ghosts.

This time, Darrell drives his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80^th birthday. But, once in the resort  town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.”  Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen.

Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?

You can check out more information on Red Shadows at Saugatuck and all my works at my webpage—http://authorrandyoverbeck.com

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story. 

More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website www.authorrandyoverbeck.com

randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com 

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeck

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

 

 

 

 

Love, Jealousy, Rage Wicked Wednesday by Lori Matsourani

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Hey readers! Join me in welcoming Lori Matsourani to Wicked Wednesday on Discover... Murder and Ghosts with a dash of Romance makes for a great Wicked Wednesday. And read to the bottom for a Goodreads giveaway!

Do we ever know who’s really capable of murder? Is it the thug with the tattooed face who despises rival gang members? The distraught father, furious with the sadistic husband who abuses beloved daughter? Or the ex-lover, angry at the new man who replaces him in the bedroom?

Rage and jealousy have existed since the beginning of time. Especially when stemming from the desire for a woman. It’s conceivable these emotions can transcend the passage of time... and perhaps, corporeal existence. After all, can love, jealousy, or rage ever be erased?

Not for eighteenth-century plantation owner Samuel Watts, the husband of beautiful Ariella. His jealousy cost him the love of his life. His rage demanded an even higher price: his own life. And despair over his loss condemned his forlorn spirit to roam his plantation home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for centuries. Until he encounters Bethany Hendren, a love-wary guest in his house (now a B&B known as Horatio House).

Samuel reaches out to Bethany for help in unraveling the outcome of his fight with Frederick Howard, the man with wicked intentions regarding Samuel’s wife. The details are hazy, and Samuel wonders if murder was involved. His ghostly intrusion leads Bethany to reluctantly join forces with Nick Dorsey—the first boy she ever loved and the first one to break her heart—and help Samuel with his quest. As Bethany and Nick follow Samuel’s clues, sparks from their long-ago romance start to flare, but Bethany shuns the idea of reigniting the flame. Nick ghosted her years ago, and she can’t bring herself to trust him with her heart. But it’s Samuel’s revelations about relationships and trust that encourage her to open up to the possibility of love and happiness with Nick.

And what about Samuel? Can he use his wisdom in matters of the heart to find his own peace? Or is he doomed to continue roaming the halls of Horatio House as a bereaved spirit for eternity, which would be a wicked shame.

 

Blurb:

When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?

 

Excerpt:

He opened the door and motioned her inside the large room. A vintage wrought-iron bed, as well as a nightstand with a tray of wine, cheeses, and stemware, occupied the wall on her left. An enormous stone fireplace, with an antique painting of a woman mounted over the mantel, dominated the opposite side of the room.

Nick studied the portrait as he set down the suitcase, then peered at Bethany. “Oh, wow. You look just like her.”

The woman, dressed in eighteenth-century garments, appeared to be about Bethany’s age. They had the same oval face, narrow nose, chestnut-brown hair, and caramel eyes.

“I see the likeness,” Bethany said. “Who is she?”

“One of the Worthingtons. I’m sure Aunt Margaret knows her name.”

She stepped closer to study the centuries-old canvas and encountered a cold spot in the room. A shiver coursed through her. “Is this room always so chilly?”

He frowned. “Not usually. I’ll check the thermostat.”

Bethany hoisted her suitcase onto the bed, impatient to end this unwelcome encounter with Nick. Then, without thinking, she pivoted away from the mattress and almost collided with him. He threw out his hands to steady her, his face inches away as his fingers clutched her upper arms. His dark eyes locked on hers.

“I turned up the heat.” He maintained his grasp and her breath caught as she stared back, captivated by the richness of his almost-black irises.

“Thank you.”

“And there’s something else.”

“What’s that?” Her heart pounded, sending a rush of blood to her ears. She couldn’t look away. Was he going to apologize? Explain why he’d ghosted her after that summer?

“Even though the family completely redid the inside and outside of the house, the ghost still haunts this place.”

That’s what he wants to tell me?

With a sigh, she shook off his grip and stepped out of his reach, disappointed in him for dodging the chance to explain what happened back then and frustrated with herself for letting him get to her. She’d conquered her feelings for him a decade ago and was determined to squelch any residual heart flutters.

“If you’re trying to spook me, it’s not going to work.”

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9XCPLYD/thewildrosepr-20

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/ghosted-lori-matsourani/22722837?ean=9781509262540&next=t&affiliate=114419

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghosted-lori-matsourani/1147463084?ean=2940184606941

Books A Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781509262540

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghosted/id6746414091

 

Bio:

Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.

Social media links:

Website: https://lorimatsourani.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.matsourani.author/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori.matsourani/

 

Goodreads Giveaway: Runs from August 1 to August 30

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/418301-ghosted