Tag Archives: romantic suspense

Giveaway & Interview – A Fine Year For Murder by Lauren Carr @TheMysteryLadie @iReadBookTours

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Lauren Carr is the bestselling author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, the Lovers in Crime Mysteries, and the brand new series, The Thorny Rose Mysteries.  We caught up with the charming mystery writer as she preps to kick off her upcoming virtual book tour for A Fine Year for Murder, the 2th in the Mac Faraday series.

Author Interview with Lauren Carr

Lauren, thank you so much for chatting with us.  Right off the bat, I’m curious.  Is it hard to break away from your successful Mac Faraday series to work on another one?

Yes and no. Actually, I don’t consider this breaking away so much as taking a break from Mac and the gang at Deep Creek Lake. I’m not leaving Mac Faraday and the gang in Deep Creek Lake or the Lovers in Crime in their small town in West Virginia at all. I’m simply taking my readers on a detour to visit a new and different group of detectives.

As a writer, an occasional detour helps me to step away and marinate on my next Mac Faraday or Lovers in Crime Mystery—think about where I want the characters to go. Now that I am returning to the next Mac Faraday Mystery, I am actually approaching it with a fresher perspective, which adds a special treat for my readers as well.

A Fine Year for Murder, the second Thorny Rose Mystery, was released January 30.  The Thorny Rose Mystery series is a different direction for you, isn’t it? 

 Yes, it is—which makes it exciting for me as the writer and for my readers, as well. As an author, I am always striving to stretch my wings and try new things. I always listen to readers, not just talk about my books, but other authors’ books. It is not uncommon to hear a reader complain about an author’s books starting to all read the same, or for the reader to become bored with an author’s books. Well, that can also happen to the author who is writing the books. Some readers may not like the new direction I go with the Thorny Rose Mysteries. They can take comfort with Mac Faraday and the Lovers in Crime. The rest, they can dive into the mystery and suspense of Murphy and Jessica, the next generation of mystery detectives.

In the first Thorny Rose Mystery, Kill and Run, it was plain to see that the young newlywed couple, Jessica and Murphy, have a far different lifestyle than Mac and Joshua.  Can you share some of the differences we will see?   Living in Washington DC, will their stories lean toward political suspense?

Jessica and Murphy are much younger, more daring, and without a doubt more impulsive than their fathers. Also, since they are millennials, they lean toward today’s high tech lifestyle—thus, the character of Nigel, their virtual butler.

The setting alone (Washington DC) makes for a different type of criminal element. Since Murphy is a military officer assigned to the Pentagon, then we get to add a political element. As a phantom, he’s often sent on secret assignments. Then, we have Jessica Faraday, a savvy and rich young woman who knows her way around high society, which will prove to be helpful to Murphy.

Behind the scenes, readers get to see the normal adjustments that every newlywed couple must deal with—like where does the peanut butter go (fridge or cupboard) and how many children do they want to have and when.

Yet, personally, I do not want the Thorny Rose Mysteries to be a wholly political suspense mystery series. Wanting to make that clear, I set our detectives in the wine country of southern Virginia for A Fine Year for Murder.

Speaking of setting, how do you decide on the setting for a book? For instance, in choosing Washington DC or Virginia’s wine country, do you already have your story idea in mind before you settle on the location or is it character driven?

Character driven! My books are completely character driven. The decision for Washington DC for the Thorny Rose series came naturally. Murphy Thornton was a recent graduate from the Naval Academy and Jessica wanted to be with him. That meant she had to move to Washington as well. As an author, this worked well for me because I used to work in Washington as an editor for the federal government. My husband had been a navy officer assigned to the Pentagon, so I didn’t need to do that much research.

Yet, for A Fine Year for Murder, the murder case was based on a real cold case that happened in a small town. I had selected this mystery to be Jessica’s case, since Murphy took center stage in Kill and Run. Jessica had grown up in the suburbs of Washington DC, which is not a small town. So, I created the storyline in which she had become involved in the case as a child while visiting distant relatives. That resulted in my taking Jessica and Murphy on a road trip to southern Virginia.

What led to the decision to bring together the two grown children of Mac (Mac Faraday) and Joshua Thornton (Lovers in Crime)?  I love the idea, by the way.

Oh, like love, it just sort of happened. I thought long and hard about bringing the two of them together before I made the final decision. Then, it was almost a year after that before I decided found the right book launch them.

Murphy’s character came about in my first mystery book, A Small Case of Murder, a Joshua Thornton Mystery. At that time, he was seventeen years old. I knew then that he would be going to the Naval Academy. When I created the character of Jessica Faraday (readers meet her via phone conversation in Old Loves Die Hard) she was already in college in Williamsburg. When I brought back Joshua for the Lovers in Crime, I realized Murphy and Jessica were about the same age. As their fathers became friends, it became natural for them to grow close. Like my readers, I was very surprised by how quickly they grew together.

Your Mac Faraday series as well as the Lovers in Crime series have both garnered a loyal following.  I’m one of them.  We will still be seeing their series continue as well, won’t we?

 Oh yes! Each series will continue to grow on their own with interconnecting mysteries occasionally. In Kill and Run, the Lovers in Crime actively participate in the mystery. In A Fine Year for Murder, Mac Faraday and the Deep Creek Lake gang make an appearance. Then, this summer, readers are in for a treat as all of my series characters come together for two mysteries in Twofer Murder! This special mystery will be a lot of fun—I promise! As long as readers are clamoring for mysteries, I’ll be writing them.

 I, for one, love the direction you are going with this series. Characters grow and change and to keep up with the times makes them feel even more real to me.

 Thanks so much for visiting, Lauren, and I look forward to reading more of your work!

Amazon  /  Goodreads

Book Description:

After months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.

When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family living near a winery owned by distant relatives she was visiting and suppressed the memory.

Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?

Buy the Book:  Amazon  ~ Add on Goodreads

ABOUT LAUREN CARR

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card (Open internationally)

Ends April 22

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Giveaway – Invisible by L A Remenicky @Remenickywrites @Remenickywrites

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Invisible
By LA Remenicky
Genre: Romantic Suspense
 
They found each other. Then the killer found them. Detective Jackson “Jax” McKenna walks into a psychologist’s office and finds that the doctor bears a striking resemblance to his first love, Lainie, who disappeared ten years ago after their disastrous first date ended in violence. Dr. Elizabeth Parker is really Elaine Wilson, Jax’s Lainie. She’s been in hiding since the night that changed both their lives. Jax discovers the truth when the killer lets Lainie know he’s found her. When Jax and Lainie go on the run to keep Lainie safe, old feelings resurface as the killer threatens their lives. Can Jax save Lainie and help her stay Invisible?
 
 
 
L.A. Remenicky ~ Love Stories With A Twist
L.A. Remenicky is a wife and mother of two fur kids. A payroll
professional by day, she writes out the stories in her head by night.
 
An avid reader all her life, she finally put pen to paper (or fingers to
keyboard) during NaNoWriMo in 2012 and has never looked back. When
she’s not typing away on her latest story with music playing in the
background, she can usually be found spending time with her family
and friends.
 
 
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Giveaway – Cirque by Ashleigh Giannoccaro #Ashleigh Giannoccaro

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Cirque: Act II

by Ashleigh Giannoccaro
Cirque
Publication Date: January 20, 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

Without my box I can’t be me
Kidnapped by a clown close to the sea
He’s torn inside where one equals two
One I hate, the other I love true

Secrets and lies become alibis
Sivan is damaged, it’s in his eyes
Riddles unravel when you know who masters
Now Imogene’s only home is Masters

An eye playing spy held me together
When I broke, he broke, two ends of frayed tether
We’re joined by the past like twin souls in hell
Innocent angels molested, and fell

I escaped it, but need to go back.
To love the man with his face painted black.
The circus is known for its eternal magic
Our tent of freedom is simply tragic.

Once a little girl fell, then she fell for me
I’m a fool, and she’s a fool for me
There’s a clown inside us all; a purpose
But this life, it’s all just a circus.

 
 

A boy looked in a window, to see a naughty show
Through the pane of pain, the master clown did blow
The circus is a holy tent, the keeper of my rhyme
Where I forged my chains, creating this pantomime
Pretending to be normal, I wait until after dark
Then I paint the frown on, get a whore from the park
At the bottom of that bed was a darling in a chest
She watched with big eyes, horror hooking her from rest
She dances for the maniac, twirling on her strings
I will make her mine, sharing damaged things
I will be her riddle, she will help me grin
So why does she run away, she has to let me in
No one loves the clown, not even the midget
We’ve gone too far, she will know my secret
Love can break the hardest mask, I know this to be true
Nightmares have hearts too, I only needed you

Ashleigh Giannoccaro

Bestselling Author Ashleigh Giannoccaro writes edgy dark romance and erotic horror, self published by choice she writes the stories others don’t dare. Currently rising in Johannesburg South Africa with her husband and two daughters Ashleigh enjoys writing stories that make you fall in love with the unlovable and leave you asking questions. When not writing she can be found with her kindle in a sunny spot reading or traveling with her family.

Website | Facebook | Newsletter | Goodreads

 

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Giveaway – I Survived Blogfest! Tsunami Crimes by Chrys Fey @ChrysFey

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“This is Chrys Fey reporting for Disaster 5 News. I am in Pensacola where a tsunami hit yesterday morning. I have Sherry Fundin with me, a survivor of the tsunami. Sherry, can you tell our viewers what happened, and how you survived?”

Well, Chrys, it was a gorgeous morning here in the Florida Panhandle. The sun was shining, the surfers were out and everyone was having a great time frolicking in the waves.

The first indication something was amiss was when the sea birds took flight in panic. I could feel a breeze that was different than normal and the hair on my arms and neck stood on end. Tingles ran down my spine…and the water rushed in. And it kept coming. It swept me off my feet, and I was driven down…down…down, being slammed into the pavement. I could feel the flesh being stripped from my body as I struggled to rise to the surface for a much needed breath of air. I frantically searched for anything to grab onto as the water rose…and rose…Just when I thought I couldn’t last any longer, someone reached out and grabbed my hand. I looked up and the most beautiful hazel eyes looked down at me. It was the best day of my life…Mr Wonderful had saved me…

.

I love all the covers for this series and Kim Mendoza has done a mighty fine job with Tsunami Crimes by Chrys Fey.




Amazon  /  Goodreads
.
Title: Tsunami Crimes
Series: Disaster Crimes #3
Author: Chrys Fey
Genre: Romantic-Suspense
 
Page Count: 272
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MY REVIEW

I have been following Beth and Donovan’s journey through one catastrophe after another in this fabulous thriller series. They first met in Hurricane Crimes, and had one hell of an adventure in Seismic Crimes and Lightning Crimes.

Now they face the rage of a Tsunami in Oahu, on their honeymoon, no less.

I have fallen for the characters. I watch as they grow and develop into more complex individuals. Beth is strong, independent, loving and giving. Better think twice about messing with her and her man. Donaovan and Thorn are best friends and both are in love with Beth. Their testosterone levels are so high, I think they need to pull them out and measure their ‘meat sword’. LOL Their friendly rivalry makes for some humorous situations. I love a good villain and Jackson Storm fits the bill nicely. 

The suspense builds, there is lots of action, and the suspense builds some more. Beth and Donovan are both targets and ya never know where the danger may come from. It lurks around every corner. Where and when will it strike?

Chrys Fey’s descriptive writing makes the story come alive, as if it is a movie playing out in my head. She has the ability to create doubt, even though I know the ending. She keeps the suspense at a fever pitch that goes on and on, never letting up, leaving me feeling wrung dry of my emotions. I finally reach the end and breathe a sigh of relief.

Excellent job, Chrys!

What disaster will be next?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 Stars

 
BLURB: Beth and Donovan have come a long way from Hurricane Sabrina and the San Francisco earthquake. Now they are approaching their wedding day and anxiously waiting to promise each other a lifetime of love. The journey down the aisle isn’t smooth, though, as they receive threats from the followers of the notorious criminal, Jackson Storm. They think they’ll be safe in Hawaii, but distance can’t stop these killers. Not even a tsunami can.
 
This monstrous wave is the most devastating disaster Beth has ever faced. It leaves her beaten, frightened. Is she a widow on her honeymoon? As she struggles to hold herself together and find Donovan, she’s kidnapped by Jackson’s men.
 
Fearing her dead, Donovan searches the rubble and shelters with no luck. The thought of her being swept out to sea is almost too much for him to bear, but the reality is much worse. She’s being used as bait to get him to fall into a deadly trap.

 If they live through this disaster, they may never be the same again. 

DIGITAL LINKS:
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA
Nook / Kobo / The Wild Rose Press
 
PRINT LINK:
The Wild Rose Press 
 
99 CENTS: Amazon
And everywhere ebooks are sold. 
 
 
GIVEAWAY!
 

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Chaos in the Suburbs – Dead in the Water by Britney King @britneyking_

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    I read the first book, Water Under The Bridge by Britney King, in this awesome romantic suspense series and fell in love with these characters.

If you want to be enthralled for hours, unable to quite reading, Jude and Kate can do that for you!

Amazon  /  Goodreads

Title: Dead in the Water
Series: Water Trilogy #2
Author: Britney King
Release Date: Jan 17, 2017
.

MY REVIEW

Dead in the Water by Britney King is Book II of the series and seeing I was blown away by Water Under The Bridge, Book I, I was very excited to get my hands on this one. I love romantic suspense. Throw in some psychotic assassins trying to be ‘normal’ and I cannot resist. Britney did not let my down. In fact, she kept the surprises coming and I couldn’t stop reading.

Faking normality in suburbia.

Two assassins do their best to blend in with the ‘normal’ people.

“If we don’t play the game, we’re Dead in the Water. All animals have the ability to sniff out that which is not like them, and these people…they’re dying to find the rat.”

Jude keeps his secrets close to the vest, trying to fit in.

Kate has always been the one in control…

Twisted, psychotic and to know they…

It’s hard to share anything because I don’t want to do anything to spoil the story. I love the damaged, psychotic characters, Jude and Kate. They are two assassins but they murder in different ways and for different reasons. Which is worse? All the details makes it even creepier and disturbing, but I start to feel empathy for Jude and even Kate…at times.

I struggle to find words that describe my thoughts and feelings for this outrageous take on two psychopathic serial killers. Their perverted sense of normal makes me think they might just fit in. LOL

I keep wondering who will kill who. Will they get caught?

Monique was a situation I didn’t foresee and what a fabulous twist. I didn’t think about it much before hand, but what a wonderful surprise and it takes a master storyteller to keep the suspense at a high level throughout.

The continuous surprises from these incredibly complex characters make Dead in the Water impossible to put down.

I like the illustrations at the chapter breaks.

I have never read anything quite like this series and can hardly wait to read more!

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS. THE PERFECT COVER.

A GRIPPING ROMANTIC SUSPENSE THRILLER

He’s a contract killer. She likes to even the score. Smack dab in the middle of suburbia, few married couples are as competitive as Jude and Kate.

But then, most married couples don’t keep score in the form of body counts. Each hell-bent on a silent pact to out-do the other, the games begin.

Who ends up on top is anyone’s guess. But with these two, one thing’s for sure— not everyone comes out alive.

After all, there are a few things they can agree on: All is fair in love and war. And if they can’t make it work— they’re dead in the water.

Buy Links:    Amazon – http://amzn.to/2jURbKc  /  Barnes & Noble  / Kobo  /  iBooks

EXCERPT
 
“Cheers,” I offer, but it sounds like ‘fuck you,’ which it is, and I hate that we haven’t touched glasses. It’s bad luck, and certainly we don’t need any of that. You don’t seem concerned with luck though, because in two short strides you are standing in front of me, and your eyes are dark. You swallow hard, and this intensity, it kills me. You don’t say anything, and I hate the silence between us. Maybe you’re trying to send a message. Maybe you’re into telepathy; I’m not sure. But I’m not afraid of this side of you, Jude. It’s always been the best part. And so when you push me against the wall, I go willingly. At least at first. Because I know you, and you’ve always enjoyed a bit of a fight. 
 

ABOUT BRITNEY KING

Britney King writes modern love stories for mature audiences. She also enjoys suspense and often finds her sweet spot penning a good mixture of the two. She is the author of seven novels, several of which have been featured on various bestseller lists, and is currently at work on number eight.

She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, two dogs, one ridiculous cat, and a partridge in a pear tree.

She enjoys hearing from readers and would love it if you would connect with her at www.britneyking.com or the plethora of social media accounts she posses.

To receive an email whenever the author releases a new title, sign up for the new release newsletter at britneyking.com/subscribe-to-new-rele…

Connect with Britney
Web• http://BritneyKing.com
Twitter• http://twitter.com/BritneyKing_
Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/BritneyKingA…
Pinterest• http://pinterest.com/britneynking
Instagram • https://instagram.com/msbritneyking

Mailing list sign up • http://bit.ly/BritneyKingNewsletter
Signed Copies • http://bit.ly/BKSignedCopies (less)

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My Review for Water Under The Bridge by Britney King

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Giveaway – Lethal Game by Katie Reus @katiereus

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Lethal Game

by Katie Reus
Red Stone Security Series
Publication Date: January 10, 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Read the action-packed finale of the USA Today bestselling Red Stone Security series!

He broke her heart.

Graysen’s betrayal nearly destroyed Isa a year ago. Now that she’s working for Red Stone Security, she’s managed to piece her life back together after a rough year and a broken heart. Then he appears back in her life and makes it clear he’s not going anywhere until she gives them a second chance. A chance she refuses to take.

Now he’s back to claim what’s his.

Graysen’s never gotten over Isa and he knows he never will. It’s his fault she walked away, but he can’t seem to let her go. He quit his job with the CIA and called in every favor he had to get hired by Red Stone Security just to be near her again. But Isa doesn’t care that he’s desperate to make things right between them—she wants nothing to do with him. He doesn’t blame her, but he’s not willing to give her up. When they’re cornered by lethal terrorists, everything changes. Graysen and Isa will have to find a way to work together if they want to survive. Only then will he be able to convince her to claim the chance at happiness the past stole from them.

About Katie Reus

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Darkness series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

For more information on Katie please visit her website: www.katiereus.com. Also find her on twitter @katiereus or visit her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor.

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Vigilantism With A Twist – She Bites by #RogerArsht & #CaitlinHawker

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She Bites by Roger Arsht & Caitlin Hawker has such a cool cover and fantastic blurb, there is no way I could pass on this vigilante thriller novel. I would like to thank Roger, Caitlin and Archway Publishing for the opportunity to read and review She Bites.

She Bites has a bit of a twist, so keep reading to find out why.

Does this cover talk to you as loud as it talks to me?

She Bites

Amazon  /  Goodreads

MY REVIEW

She Bites by Roger Arsht & Caitlin Hawker is my kind of thriller. I am always on the lookout for a new twist to  a familiar story and they supply a fantastic one.

She Bites is action packed from the get-go and I love it. Dog fighting is a cruel ‘sport’ and I do not understand how anyone can get any enjoyment from treating an animal that only wants to please with such cruelty.

Want to take a walk on the dark side…read on.

Dr Robyn Sparks is not only a veterinarian, but a vigilante, doling out punishment to animal abusers. Having critters in a book adds a special little something for me and increases my enjoyment.

I love that Robyn Sparks cares so much for animals that she will stand up for them when others don’t. She is a strong, determined woman, and after my own heart.

She wants them to feel the pain and she dishes it out with a vengeance. She is a female Dexter.

Would I go that far? Would you?

Have you pissed her off? Wellllll, if you have, she will be paying you a visit and She Bites. It WILL be hazardous to your health!

When Jack Williams, a detective with his own issues, comes into her life, it becomes even more complicated.

Two damaged souls are drawn together…by a dog. Their terrors may be different, but their motives are the same.

Is one bad and the other good? Yin and yang?

When dealing with vigilantism, moral questions are raised.

Justice…is it legal…illegal? What would happen if everyone took the law into their own hands?

I don’t see how this can end well, but I want it to.

The writing makes the story flow smoothly and the suspense is a nail biter. How can he not figure out what is really going on with her? How can she keep her secret? Will the authors be able to put their thinking caps on and come up with an ending that I will be happy with, yet find ‘believable?’ That you will find ‘believable? All I can say is…you will have to read it for yourself to find out.

I love it, will highly recommend it, and I will be looking for more of their work.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of She Bites from Roger Arsht, Caitlin Hawker and Archway Publishing.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 Stars

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GOODREADS BLURB:  Dr. Robyn Sparks is a veterinarian with a dark secret: she moonlights as a self-appointed vigilante, who deals her own brand of justice to animal abusers by murdering them. If you do bad things to dogs, Robyn does bad things to you.

She Bites tells the story of a talented veterinarian who dispenses brutal judgment. Her work with sick and injured animals provides Robyn with a view of life’s most tender moments as well as a view of man’s most brutal behaviors.

Robyn’s regular habit of sending bad people to the pet crematorium is interrupted when she meets Jack Williams, a damaged detective who is fighting his own demons. Their relationship is a roller coaster ride of tangled emotions and legal close calls.

Ultimately, Robyn has to make a choice: whether to continue down her destructive path and kill a twisted psychopath turned professional dog fight promoter, or to pursue a romance with a cop who believes morality is best served by the hand of the law.

By our estimate, there are tens of thousands of dog fighters in the U.S., forcing hundreds of thousands of dogs to train, fight, and suffer every year. – The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 2016

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

roger arsht & caitlin hawker

About Roger Arsht

Roger Arsht is a mild-mannered high school English teacher by day, but dons his writerly cloak after class and pens the darker side of life. His noir thrillers ask some hard questions about corruption and violence in the world, and what to do about it.

Roger wrote his first novel A Slam Dunk, when, while watching sports, it became illogical to him that a man could don a uniform on Sunday and be a hero, then the rest of the week engage in illegal activities or violence. Knowing his book needed a darker element of writing, he contacted a former student of his, who was loaded with talent, but also horrified him with her scary stories. Caitlin Hawker stepped up to the job and a collaboration was born.

When he’s not writing or hanging out in high school (his favorite place to be,) Roger loves to fish, golf, travel and cook, not necessarily in that order. He and his wife have two grown sons, and live in Park City, Utah with their Golden Retriever rescue dog, Pumpkin.

About Caitlin Hawker

Caitlin Hawker is a self-described “dark” person who loves horror movies and the study of humanity’s darker side. It took her awhile to learn to read and write, until her dad described to her that letters were pictures, and then suddenly it all made sense. Now a prolific writer, she began penning noir fiction in high school, in typical dark, brooding teenager fashion, which scared her teachers. What was a hobby later turned into a career when Roger Arsht walked into the college bookstore where she was working and asked her to help him write a book.

When she isn’t writing, she makes costumes and dabbles in art. Caitlin is a connoisseur of all things weird, and loves to collect facts. Her latest discovery is that the last duel in France was with hot air balloons and shotguns, which ended up setting a field full of sheep on fire.

She and her husband live in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Caitlin is planning for the day when she can get a dog.


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The Ground Shook – Seismic Crimes by Chrys Fey @ChrysFey

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I was super eager to get my hands on Seismic Crimes by Chrys Fey.

I have enjoyed her stories and I got to name a character in this one.

I can hardly wait to meet Jackson Storm.

seismiccrimes_w10160_750Amazon  /  Goodreads

Seismic Crimes by Chrys Fey

Publisher:  Wild Rose Press

Cover design:  Kim Mendoza

MY REVIEW

Chrys Fey is a fantastic author who is always on the top of my reading list. She did not let me down in Seismic Crimes. Seismic Crimes picks up where Hurricane Crimes left off. The recap does not require you to read it first, though I would recommend doing so.

Beth’s journey continues with Donovan, which began in Hurricane Crimes, and now they are caught in an earthquake in San Francisco, being chased by a killer.

Is there such a thing as love at first sight? She risks a lot for him after knowing him for a day. It works for me.

Beth is an independent person, able to take care of herself, but Donovan easily fits into her life. He is hunky…hot…and action oriented, in more ways than one. Lots of romance and action, along with plenty of mystery and suspense, as Beth and Donovan take their relationship to a new level.

I am familiar with hurricanes and they don’t really scare me. There is plenty of time for preparation and if it’s going to be a big one, ya just get out of the way. Not so with earthquakes. I cannot imagine how terrifying it is to have your whole world shaking beneath your feet.

I could not help but chuckle at Beth’s thoughts while she is at the police station. It’s not starting out so well for them.

What can I say about Jackson Storm…? I love that Chrys made him a…and I see some deliciously good stuff coming next.

Humor  and romance go well together and Chrys Fey does a great job of blending them while keeping the suspense percolating.

Some sexy, hot scenes. I would recommend this for adults.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Seismic Crimes by Chrys Fey.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Internal Affairs Investigator was murdered and his brother, Donovan Goldwyn, was framed. Now Donovan is desperate to prove his innocence. And the one person who can do that is the woman who saved him from a deadly hurricane—Beth Kennedy. From the moment their fates intertwined, passion consumed him. He wants her in his arms. More, he wants her by his side in his darkest moments.

Beth Kennedy may not know everything about Donovan, but she can’t deny what she feels for him. It’s her love for him that pushes her to do whatever she has to do to help him get justice, including putting herself in a criminal’s crosshairs.

When a tip reveals the killer’s location, they travel to California, but then an earthquake of catastrophic proportions separates them. As aftershocks roll the land, Beth and Donovan have to endure dangerous conditions while trying to find their way back to one another. Will they reunite and find the killer, or will they lose everything?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR .

Chrys Fey is the author of Hurricane Crimes and 30 Seconds. She is currently working on the sequel to Hurricane Crimes that’ll serve as book two in the Disaster Crimes series.

When Fey was six years old, she realized her dream of being a writer by watching her mother pursue publication. At the age of twelve, she started writing her first novel, which flourished into a series she later rewrote at seventeen. Fey lives in Florida where she is waiting for the next hurricane to come her way.

You can connect with her on Facebook and her blog, Write with Fey. She loves to get to know her readers!

Author Links: Facebook / Blog / Website / Goodreads

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Darkly Delicious Review for Perfectly Tortured by Kristine Mason @KristineMason7

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This sizzling cover for Perfectly Tortured by Kristine Mason was done by Elle J Rossis of EJR Digital Arts.

Do you like your flawed heroes HOT?

Well, step right up and meet Harrison!

perfectly-torturednew2-ibooks-kobo

Amazon / Goodreads

Kristine Mason writes dark romantic suspense that leaves me with my jaw hanging open thinking, how does she come up with such amazing stories and characters.

Kristine Mason’s characters are all hotties, male and female alike and I like that. If I’m going to fantasize, why not make the fantasy gorgeous?

Perfectly Tortured is appropriately titled and I am so happy to be home with some familiar characters…but, knowing Kristine, I think Harrison Fairclough is in for the ride of his life.

Working for Above The Law makes his life difficult. What happened to him in Georgia haunted him, made him dangerous. It was all he could do to hold back the demons in his mind wanting out, wanting to kill. Poor Harrison. He is such a good man, I can’t believe what Kristine has done to him. She has taken him to the depths of hell and I am loving it. I thought she would let him heal, but that is not to be. How will he exorcise the demons?

Perfectly Tortured is a continuing story from the previous book, but enough information is shared for this book to stand alone. If you want to know more, you’ll need to read Perfectly Toxic.

Harrison may be a hottie, naive about the ladies, but not about being in the law’s crosshairs. He is surely a flawed hero, but oh so lovable. He’s like the runt of the litter, I just want to take him in my arms and love him. I want to swoop him up and protect him. He’s quick with flirty dialogue.

No one was looking for Liam, but Harrison would. He didn’t trust himself any more, but he would do this alone.

I can even feel sorry for Liam. He struggles to control his anger, his impulse to kill….He’s a damaged guy through no fault of his own. Just the same, he needs to be locked up and the key thrown away, or put down like a rabid dog.

Secrets…Liam and Harrison share so much, even their nightmares. How they handle it will determine their outcomes.

Vlad his best fried is a former hitman and wanted by the Russia, the US, Interpol. He is such a unique and quirky character, one of the most loyal people ever. I love him and can’t wait til he gets a story of his own. Will he, Kristine? Inquiring minds want to know!

Kristine Mason’s writing of human horror is sprinkled with humor. The peripheral characters all have their place and some will break your heart.

Even the romance comes from a dark and twisted place.

The tears came from an unexpected source, a twist I never saw coming. Kristine continually amazes me with her ability to take a simple story and twist and turn  it, making me wonder how she can come up with so much darkness and suspense, developing it more, adding more, and I wonder how I will ever last long enough to reach the end. Every time I think the story is over…there’s more….and more….and more

I am SOOOOO looking forward to reading more of her work and I am ecstatic to go wherever she wants to take me.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

What happens when you fall in love with the sister of the serial killer you’re hunting? Something perfectly tortured…

ATL agent Harrison Fairclough has one thing on his mind: stopping a serial killer. He knows who the man is, where he lives and who he’s murdered. The problem? He can’t prove Liam Forrester is a killer without exposing ATL—an agency that isn’t supposed to exist. Needing to get close to Liam, and lead investigators to him before someone else dies, Harrison comes up with the perfect solution…he dates the serial killer’s sister. Except his plan quickly derails once he meets the curvy physical therapist. He’s drawn to her sensual smile, comes to crave her kisses and touch, until the body count rises.

Kiera Forrester’s schizophrenic brother, Liam, has occupied the past ten years of her life. He still does, so much that she’s moved to Florida to watch over him. When she meets her new neighbor, Harrison, she’s instantly attracted to the sexy web designer. But as their relationship heats up and Keira realizes she’s falling in love with Harrison, she’s afraid there’s no future for them. The dark secrets of Liam’s past can’t be hidden away, especially when those secrets lead to murder…

ABOUT KRISTINE MASON
.

AuthorPhoto_PerfectlyToxicKristine Mason is the bestselling author of the popular romantic suspense trilogies, C.O.R.E. Shadow and Ultimate C.O.R.E. She is currently working on her next trilogy, C.O.R.E. Above the Law, along with a series of Psychic C.O.R.E. novellas.

Although Kristine has published a few contemporary romance novels, she focuses most of her energy on her romantic suspense stories, which she loves for their blend of dark mystery/suspense and sexy romance. She is fascinated with what makes people afraid, and is famous for her depraved villains whose crimes present massive obstacles for her heroes and heroines to overcome.

Kristine has a degree in journalism from Ohio State University and lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, four kids, and two dogs. If she’s not writing, she’s chauffeuring kids, gardening, or collecting gnomes. Oh, and she makes a mean chocolate chip cookie!Connect with Kristine on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kristinemasonauthor, Twitter https://twitter.com/KristineMason7 or email her at authorkristinemason@gmail.com. You can also find out more about Kristine’s books at http://www.kristinemason.net

Blog /  Facebook /  Twitter  /  Goodreads /  Pinterest

MY REVIEWS FOR KRISTINE MASON’S NOVELS

Shadow of Danger  /  Shadow of Perception  /  Shadow of Vengeance

Ultimate Kill  /  Ultimate Fear  /  Ultimate Prey (review coming soon)

Celeste Files: Unlocked

Perfectly Twisted  /  Perfectly Toxic  /  Perfectly Tortured

All covers link to Amazon and I am an affiliate, BUT I cannot help but tell you. Kristine Mason is a master storyteller and I would highly recommend buying the book sets, because you will want to read them all! Except, I have yet to read the Reality TV series.

The Celeste Files of the Psychic CORE series are paranormal and supernatural novels that star Celeste, from the very first book in the CORE Shadow Trilogy, Shadow of Danger. I love the mix of psychics and ghosts, with murder and thrills. Check them out below.

Perfectly twisted is the beginning of another series, CORE Above the Law, that takes the characters even further than I thought they would go. I am LOVING it!!!



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Giveaway – Deceiving Bella by Cate Beauman @CateBeauman @GoddessFish

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bbt_tourbanner_deceivingbellaI love Cate Beauman’s work, so when I saw the chance to share Deceiving Bella.

The devil made me do it. 😈

I can hardly wait to cross that bridge, enter the city, and find out what’s coming next!

mediakit_bookcover_deceivingbellaDeceiving Bella by Cate Beauman

GENRE:  Romantic Suspense

BLURB

Isabella Colby has always yearned for normalcy. Now that she’s settled in LA, she finally has it. Good friends, a pretty home, and her thriving career as the Palisades’ top skincare specialist are a dream come true. Bella is content until she meets her hunky new neighbor, but her attraction to the blue-eyed cutie is the least of her worries when contacting her long-lost father threatens to destroy her happy life.

Reed McKinley is more than ready to forget the past. His seven-year stint as an NYPD detective nearly got him killed. His wounds have healed and he’s starting over as Ethan Cooke Security’s latest recruit. With sixty-hour workweeks and little time to himself, the last thing on his mind is a relationship. Then he bumps into the gorgeous woman next door.

Reed and Bella become fast friends. Before long, Reed discovers that Bella is keeping dangerous secrets. Bella may have the answers to decades-old questions he’s been searching for. Reed will risk it all to uncover the truth, but he soon realizes that the deeper he digs, the direr the consequences.

*NOTE: While reading the series in order is recommended, it is not necessary. Each story is a stand alone title featuring new primary characters with limited overlapping secondary characters.*

EXCERPT

Bella drew a heart on the back of a pale pink envelope while she sat at the small table tucked in the corner of her room. Smiling, she set down her lilac crayon, pleased that the shape of this heart hardly looked wobbly at all. She studied the assortment of stickers Mommy had given her to decorate her invitations with and picked the glittery fuchsia ones for the corners. Locking her ankles, she kicked her legs back and forth and hummed along with the music on the CD player, trying to ignore her parents shouting in the living room. “Here is my handle, here is my spout,” she muttered, sealing the envelope closed with a puffy star sticker. “Tip me over and pour me out.”

The yelling suddenly stopped, and footsteps stormed down the hall. Bella jumped when Mommy and Daddy’s bedroom door slammed shut. Pausing, she listened to the quiet, then picked up the next envelope and smiled again when she recognized the letter ‘M.’ “Mary Rose.” She snatched up the sheet of silly smiley faces and put one right below Mommy’s pretty handwriting, certain her best friend would love it.

“Bella Boop,” Daddy called, giving a quick knock on her door.

“I’m in here.”

The knob turned and Daddy walked in dressed in jeans and one of the grease smeared white T-shirts he always wore to work.

Bella picked up a sky-blue crayon. She paused as she met Daddy’s gaze and realized his brown eyes were red, the way hers looked when she scraped her knees or got shots at the doctor’s office and cried. “Are you and Mommy mad at each other?”

Daddy sat on the bed, wrinkling her Hello Kitty comforter with his weight. “No. We’re not mad at each other.”

“Mommy yelled at you. Did you leave the toilet seat up again?” She frowned, remembering the cold water she’d fallen into the other morning. “I don’t want my tushy to get wet again when I sit down.”

He closed his eyes as he laughed, but it wasn’t his regular laugh that always made her giggle.

“No, I didn’t leave the seat up.”

“Good,” she said with a decisive nod and got back to work.

“What are you doing in here?” he asked.

“Coloring my invitations. Mommy said we can bring them with us to school in the morning. Everybody gets to have one—even the boys—so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings.”

“That’s my girl.” He winked.

She handed over one of the envelopes in her finished pile for Daddy to admire. “This one is for Clara. See how it has a letter ‘C’? That’s how I know.”

“What’s this?” Daddy pointed to the next letter in Clara’s name.

“An ‘L.’”

“Smarty-pants.”

She grinned, always loving it when he called her that. “Clara’s going to be five too. Her mommy’s bringing brownies to school next week when it’s her birthday—just like you brought in the cupcakes for me to share yesterday. Everyone liked them. Pink frosting is the best kind.”

“With purple sprinkles, right?”

“Right.” She took the invitation back and continued decorating Mary Rose’s.

“I can’t believe my girl’s almost five. You’re not a baby anymore.”

“I’m a beautiful young lady now, right?”

He sighed. “Somehow you are. Not all that long ago, I was rocking you to sleep.”

“Beautiful young ladies have pierced ears and paint their nails.” She beamed at him, thrilled that she had both after a trip to the mall and a visit to the nail painter woman Mommy knew. “And young ladies go to kindergarten when the leaves fall off the trees, right after the summer is over.”

“I guess they do.” He blew out another breath. “Will you come sit with me for a couple of minutes?”

She hesitated as she glanced from the stickers to Daddy’s sad eyes. “Okay.”

He grabbed her under the armpits of her favorite Hello Kitty pajamas and boosted her up, settling her on his thigh. “Here we go.” He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight.

She returned his embrace, breathing in the familiar oil smell of the garage where he fixed cars. “Is your tummy sick?”

“No, baby.” He played his hand through the curls Mommy had made at the end of her long ponytail this morning.

“Did you get a boo-boo at work?” She picked up his stained black fingers, checking for a cut.

“No, honey.” He clenched his jaw. “I have to go on a trip.”

She gasped her excitement and clapped. Daddy always took her on the best adventures. “Can I come?”

He shook his head. “Not this time.”

“We could get ice cream at the Dairy Stop,” she said in a singsong voice, hoping that would convince him to change his mind.

“I wish we could, Bella. I have to go on this trip by myself.”

She pressed her cheek to his chest. “I don’t want you to go unless I get to come too. I always come too, Daddy.”

His fingers moved through her hair again. “I know.

“You can stay right here with me.” She leaned forward and picked up her favorite book from the pile on the nightstand. “We can read instead.”

He nuzzled his chin on top of her head, keeping her close.

She clung to him as her stomach started to hurt. Daddy never went away. He and Mommy always read her books together and took turns bringing her to school after breakfast. “Will you come back soon?”

He shook his head. “Not for a long time. Not till you’re an even bigger young lady.”

Her lips trembled as her eyes filled. “But I’ll miss you so much.”

“I’ll miss you too. I’ll think of you every day.”

“Daddy.” She sniffled. “I want you to stay.”

“I have something for you.” He grabbed something from behind his back she hadn’t noticed when he walked in and held up a small snow globe.

She took the delicate glass and studied the pretty two-story house surrounded by pine trees in the center—much bigger than the home she lived in now. “It’s so nice.”

“When you look at it, you can think of me.”

“You’ll live in there?”

He looked at the ceiling as he swallowed. “Something like that.”

She stared at the lights on in the cheerful home as the snow fell to the ground. “Will you come out for my party in a couple of days and sing ‘Happy Birthday’?”

“I can’t.”

Her shoulders sagged. “But you can come out at night and read to me and tuck me in?”

He shook his head.

Her lips trembled again, and she blinked as tears fell.

“Don’t cry, Bella.” He wiped her cheeks with his thumbs, like he always did. “If there was any other way… If I could be sure you and your mom would be safe, I’d take you with me.”

“We could call the policemans. They’ll make us safe.”

“That’s an idea.” He swiped another tear away. “How about I tuck you in and we’ll read?”

She nodded. “Can I sleep with this?” She gestured to the globe.

“How about we put it right next to you on the table? I don’t want it to break and cut you.”

“All right.” She leaned over and set it next to her lamp. “There.”

Daddy stood, lifting her with him, and pulled back her covers, then settled her in bed. “Here we go.” He tucked the blankets around her and read the story she and Mommy had picked out at the library.

She giggled when the silly puppy got into mischief and yawned, struggling to keep her eyes open as Daddy turned to the last page.

“The end.”

“That’s a good one.” She yawned again. “Maybe we can get a doggy like the girl in the book.”

“Someday.”

“I love doggies.”

“I know you do.”

She rubbed her tired eyes. “Let’s read it some more.”

“You need to get some rest.” Daddy stood from his chair. “Snuggle up.”

She rolled on her side and nestled her cheek on the pillow. “Night-night, Daddy. I love you.”

“I love you too.” He knelt down and hugged her tight, his breath shuddering in and out next to her ear. “I love you, Bella.” Clearing his throat, he eased back and smiled. “I love you.”

She smiled too. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

He shut his eyes, swallowing several times. “Okay.” Standing again, he turned off her light. “Bye, baby.”

“Bye, Daddy.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

International bestselling author Cate Beauman is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Her novels have been nominated for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, National Indie Excellence Award, Golden Quill Award, Writers Touch Award, and have been named Readers Favorite Five Star books. In 2015, JUSTICE FOR ABBY was selected as the Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Gold Medalist, while SAVING SOPHIE took the Silver Medal. SAVING SOPHIE was also selected as the 2015 Readers Crown Award winner for Romantic Suspense and FALLING FOR SARAH received the silver medal for the 2014 Readers’ Favorite Awards.

Cate makes her home in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. Currently Cate is working on Deceiving Bella, the eleventh novel in her popular Bodyguards series.

For information on Cate’s new releases, monthly giveaways, and upcoming events, sign up for her newsletter at: http://www.catebeauman.com/author/home.html#!newsletter-sign-up/c9td

Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/catebeauman.

You can follow Cate on Twitter @CateBeauman

Contact Cate:  Amazon Author Page  /  BookBub

Social links:

Twitter: @CateBeauman

www.catebeauman.com

www.facebook.com/CateBeauman

www.goodreads.com/catebeauman

www.instagram.com/cate_beauman_author

 GIVEAWAY

Cate Beauman will be awarding $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found HERE.

 

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My Cate Beauman Reviews

To read in order:

While reading the series in order is recommended, it is not necessary.  Each story is a stand alone title featuring new primary characters with limited overlapping secondary characters. Click the highlighted link below to check them out:

Book Eleven: Deceiving Bella, the story of Isabella and Reed (In production)