Welcome to the blog tour for OVERLAND, a stand-alone adult romantic thriller, by Ramcy Diek. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Skyla Overland is proud to work for Overland Insurance, the company founded by her grandfather. She enjoys sharing an apartment with her best friend, Pauline, and is in love with Edmond. Besides one nerve-wracking insurance fraud case in the past, her sheltered life is uneventful and just the way she likes it.
Until one day, everything changes…
Skyla and Troy, the manager at Overland Insurance, are the last ones to leave the office. In the empty parking lot, Troy takes her in his arms. Why would he ruin their easy-going friendship by kissing her, especially since he knows she’s dating Edmond?
Left alone, Skyla hurries to her car, puts on her seatbelt, and glances in her rearview mirror.
The face of a stranger grins at her from the backseat. “How nice to see you again,” he hisses close to her ear.
Regaining consciousness, Skyla finds herself on the backseat of her own car, with her hands tied behind her back.
Is she getting kidnapped? Who is he? And where is he taking her?
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Excerpt
Chapter 1
A STRANGE SENSATION crawled up Skyla Overland’s spine as she crossed the busy parking lot toward the grocery store. Slightly on edge, she looked from left to right, and then over her shoulder. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, with cars pulling in and out, and others looking for a spot to park. Shoppers pushed their carts, loaded their groceries, or hurried to the entrance. Everyone went their own way, all bundled up in heavy coats, hats, and scarves. Winter had come early this year. People wanted to finish their shopping and get home as soon as possible, to escape the persistent drizzle and near freezing temperature on this bone chilling and dreary evening.
Skyla shivered and pulled the faux fur-lined hood of her red parka closer around her face. She’d bought the thigh-length, well-insulated coat on a whim three weeks ago, while she still walked around in shorts. It turned out to be a smart decision. They’d gone from summer straight into winter.
At the entrance, she found a shopping cart and walked inside. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the store was extra crowded. People rushed along with huge shopping lists, wanting to get a head start to avoid long lines with overloaded shopping carts at the last minute. Skyla had a list herself. She’d promised her parents to bring a fruit salad for Thanksgiving and wanted to surprise Edmond with a home-cooked meal tonight. They’d met just before Thanksgiving last year and she wanted to celebrate. She wondered if he remembered.
Her earlier unease forgotten, she melted inside her coat and undid the zipper as she walked through the aisles. After she found the basics, like almond milk, bread, eggs, and garbage bags, she pulled out her cell phone to check her list. Lasagna was one of Edmond’s favorite dishes, especially if she added spinach and mushrooms. It was five-thirty. If she hurried, she could have dinner ready by seven.
As Skyla made her way through the produce department, she noticed a small boy wearing a red Santa hat and a green raincoat. He stood by himself, next to the bags of green and red grapes. His bottom lip trembled, and he had tears in his frightened blue eyes. He seemed lost, searching for a parent.
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Author Ramcy Diek
About the Author A long time ago, I fell in love with the United States while traveling around in an Oldsmobile station-wagon with my husband. We are both born and raised in the Netherlands.
Together, we eventually found our way to the Pacific Northwest, built up a business, and raised our two boys into amazing young adults with their own careers. During this time, I also made a slow transition from reader to writer of many different stories.
My multiple award winning debut novel “Storm at Keizer Manor” sets the bar high for my second novel, Eagles in Flight.
All my books are stand alone novels in different genres. You might be in for a surprise, or a disappointment.
Welcome to the book blitz for A SWEET, SOFT GLOW, a stand-alone adult thriller, by Joshua Magnotta. See below for, information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on his giveaway.
Synopsis In the ten years since John Malley lost his wife and daughter, he has slowly faded into obscurity in a rural Pennsylvania town. He spends his days at the local bar and tries to numb the pain of his loss. That is, until Ted’s Dead Rose Tavern becomes the home of the biggest mass killing in the history of the town. John, the lone survivor of the killing-spree, is forced on the run. He heads north where he hopes to hide out at his brother’s house.
Meanwhile, in New York City, young Melanie Parker investigates a disturbing new trend she discovered online. From what she has learned, metallic black bands worn along the forearm are responsible for some form of mind control. Skeptical of this theory, Melanie embarks on a night time excursion that places her in the middle of a riot in the middle of the city. Melanie fights for her life as chaos spreads throughout the city.
As John witnesses the events in New York, he is compelled to take action. But once in the city, John is forced to confront his past.
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Excerpt #3 He felt a soft, cool touch on his arm. He opened his eyes, and to his right, standing next to him in the rain was Elly. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her hands outstretched toward her father. John let go of the gun and rushed to her. He swept her off her feet and held her close. Her small arms squeezed him around his neck like they always had. She was here; he could feel her heart beating against his chest as he held her tight to him.
“Elly,” he cried, his tears fell into her locks of golden-brown hair.
“Daddy,” she said.
Her arms still tightly around his neck, Elly leaned back so John could see her face. Her bright blue eyes shone back at him. And there it was, that smile he missed so much. Her face was bright, ebullient as always.
Then she was gone. John’s arms were still locked in her embrace, but she was no longer there. When he blinked, he could see her like the image on a polaroid coming into focus except in reverse. Each time he blinked, she became a little less. His head was numb, and he suddenly felt lightheaded.
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Author Joshua Magnotta
About the Author Josh Magnotta has been a resident of northern Pennsylvania for most of his life. Throughout his early life and teenager years he was an avid writer but during college drifted away from the passion as work and other priorities took precedence. In 2014 he graduated from college and soon began working swing shift in a factory. It was here, during off shifts where Josh would read during the night to stay awake, that his passion for writing was rekindled. After leaving the factory-life behind Josh went back to college and began work on his first novel, A Sweet, Soft Glow. He has since been writing ever since.
Welcome to the book blitz for OVERLAND, a stand-alone adult romantic thriller, by Ramcy Diek. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Skyla Overland is proud to work for Overland Insurance, the company founded by her grandfather. She enjoys sharing an apartment with her best friend, Pauline, and is in love with Edmond. Besides one nerve-wracking insurance fraud case in the past, her sheltered life is uneventful and just the way she likes it.
Until one day, everything changes…
Skyla and Troy, the manager at Overland Insurance, are the last ones to leave the office. In the empty parking lot, Troy takes her in his arms. Why would he ruin their easy-going friendship by kissing her, especially since he knows she’s dating Edmond?
Left alone, Skyla hurries to her car, puts on her seatbelt, and glances in her rearview mirror.
The face of a stranger grins at her from the backseat. “How nice to see you again,” he hisses close to her ear.
Regaining consciousness, Skyla finds herself on the backseat of her own car, with her hands tied behind her back.
Is she getting kidnapped? Who is he? And where is he taking her?
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Excerpt
Chapter 1
A STRANGE SENSATION crawled up Skyla Overland’s spine as she crossed the busy parking lot toward the grocery store. Slightly on edge, she looked from left to right, and then over her shoulder. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, with cars pulling in and out, and others looking for a spot to park. Shoppers pushed their carts, loaded their groceries, or hurried to the entrance. Everyone went their own way, all bundled up in heavy coats, hats, and scarves. Winter had come early this year. People wanted to finish their shopping and get home as soon as possible, to escape the persistent drizzle and near freezing temperature on this bone chilling and dreary evening.
Skyla shivered and pulled the faux fur-lined hood of her red parka closer around her face. She’d bought the thigh-length, well-insulated coat on a whim three weeks ago, while she still walked around in shorts. It turned out to be a smart decision. They’d gone from summer straight into winter.
At the entrance, she found a shopping cart and walked inside. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the store was extra crowded. People rushed along with huge shopping lists, wanting to get a head start to avoid long lines with overloaded shopping carts at the last minute. Skyla had a list herself. She’d promised her parents to bring a fruit salad for Thanksgiving and wanted to surprise Edmond with a home-cooked meal tonight. They’d met just before Thanksgiving last year and she wanted to celebrate. She wondered if he remembered.
Her earlier unease forgotten, she melted inside her coat and undid the zipper as she walked through the aisles. After she found the basics, like almond milk, bread, eggs, and garbage bags, she pulled out her cell phone to check her list. Lasagna was one of Edmond’s favorite dishes, especially if she added spinach and mushrooms. It was five-thirty. If she hurried, she could have dinner ready by seven.
As Skyla made her way through the produce department, she noticed a small boy wearing a red Santa hat and a green raincoat. He stood by himself, next to the bags of green and red grapes. His bottom lip trembled, and he had tears in his frightened blue eyes. He seemed lost, searching for a parent.
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Author Ramcy Diek
About the Author A long time ago, I fell in love with the United States while traveling around in an Oldsmobile station-wagon with my husband. We are both born and raised in the Netherlands.
Together, we eventually found our way to the Pacific Northwest, built up a business, and raised our two boys into amazing young adults with their own careers. During this time, I also made a slow transition from reader to writer of many different stories.
My multiple award winning debut novel “Storm at Keizer Manor” sets the bar high for my second novel, Eagles in Flight.
All my books are stand alone novels in different genres. You might be in for a surprise, or a disappointment.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE HIT MOM, a stand-alone adult romantic thriller, by K. Marie. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis The instructions were simple. Transport the package and deliver it on time.
That didn’t happen.
Because of that, Harmony Saxton almost died. Yet, she stared death in the face that day and was miraculously spared.
Now, four years later, she questioned whether she’d truly
been spared at all. Because when the devil gave the order that day, staying her life, he also sealed her fate. Harmony was indebted to a monster—trapped in a dangerous world of politics and death, paying the ultimate price for loving the wrong man.But hadn’t she paid enough for someone else’s sins? Was she meant to be punished for life?
Harmony would rather be dead. Except, she had one very good reason to live, and that was for her son, Teddy. So then, how would it ultimately end? Did she dare to do the unthinkable to attain her freedom? Harmony knew there was only one way to ensure her survival. The only question was, would she be able to look the devil in the eye when the time came…or would she shoot him in the back?
The Hit Mom is a gripping, fast-paced story that is guaranteed to take you on a head-spinning journey where danger is always around the corner, and things aren’t always as they seem!
*This book is standalone and told in a dual POV.
**Intended for ages 18 and over. Content contains violence, strong language, and sexual situations.
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Excerpt #1 Harmony
It was unseasonably warm for late October in southern California, but today seemed a day like any other. The sun shone brightly in the east, while a breeze feathered gently across my skin, carrying with it the earthy perfume of fall.
In the distance, street traffic hummed along at a steady pace, while the occasional tinkle of laughter, or the wail of a cry, pierced the relative quiet around me. But my eyes stayed trained on the figure up ahead.
I moved along the energetic walking path of Edgewater Park carrying a large tote in one hand and clutching a child-sized palm in the other. To the casual observer, I was just one of the crew; another overworked and under-appreciated mom who sought a couple of hours outside the systematic prison that we called home.
Others might’ve judged me as the world’s worst mother, but not those who greeted me with warm, welcoming smiles as I strolled casually by. Here, I belonged. I fit right in with my black well-worn yoga pants, athletic jacket, and three-year-old Nikes.
I was an empathetic creature who gets it. I too, rose each morning to daily complaints from sullen children who lamented the necessity of attending school. I was also a slave to endless loads of laundry, meal preparations, cleaning up after others, and the dreaded car-pool. It felt nice to fit in somewhere—to be an accepted member of a clan I’d secretly termed ‘The League of Martyrs’.
But today, unbeknownst to them, I was probably their worst nightmare.
Yes, it seemed a day like any other. Except for me, it served as yet another test, as well as a grotesque reminder of the high price I’ve had to pay for my very life.
“Can I do it now, mommy?” asked Teddy, impatient to let loose with his new toy. It was a high-tech drone that was far too expensive to have been gifted to a child.
“Just a little further, sweetheart, I promise,” I told the toddler, keeping my eyes on the target.
My son predictably groaned his disapproval.
Up ahead, the man I had been tracking finally slowed to a stop in front of a well-worn park bench. After removing an old hankie from his pants pocket, he wiped the space clean before taking a seat. It was a routine, and the same one I’d seen him perform the past two days.
Every day at precisely noon, Henry L. Weiss; an unethical local politician, took his lunch break in the park located almost two blocks from his office. I looked on as he opened the crinkled brown paper bag that he always carried and pulled out a sandwich of unknown composition.
“Okay Teddy, we can do it here,” I told my son, pointing to a patch of grass about fifteen feet away.
“Yay!” he cheered loudly, running ahead of me.
To the casual observer, we were just a harmless mother and son out enjoying a beautiful day in the park. When in truth, I was likely the most dangerous thing out here.
Because today’s outing served two purposes, an opportunity for Teddy to try out his new toy, as well as the completion of a job for me. Yes, I brought my son to work with me. Don’t judge—you have no idea the shit I’ve been through.
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Author K. Marie
About the Author K. Marie first fell in love with books when a good friend bequeathed her with her very first Harlequin Romance novel. Reading has always been her escape, but writing is her passion. So, it was only natural that she would one day write her own steamy tales of sex, lies, love and redemption.
In her novels, you’ll find gripping stories that are rife with hunky heroes, feisty heroines, an unexpected plot twist, and a little bit of gangster. K. Marie is a self-professed feminist who believes in unabashedly indulging the female fantasy. However, she doesn’t guarantee you’ll always get a happily ever after. Okay, or maybe you will!
K. Marie is a Michigan native. Some of her favorites are coffee, wine, fashion and music. When not writing, she’s hard at work creating beautiful graphics and publications for clients, taking on DIY home projects, spending time with her family, and planning her next vacation.
Looking to connect with K. Marie? You can always find her on Instagram or Facebook.
USA Today bestselling author Kailin Gow is revealing the cover to THE TIN MAN, the first book in her adult romantic suspense/romantic thriller series, Inner Circle, releasing December 8, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE TIN MAN (Inner Circle Series #1) by Kailin Gow
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE TIN MAN Series: Inner Circle Series #1 Author: Kailin Gow Publisher: Imprint on the Go Release Date: December 8, 2020 Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense/Romantic Thriller Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis I am known as the Tin Man, because I have no heart.
I have no qualms about doing the things that I do. I was sent to complete a mission which involved a young woman. She changed me, and that changed everything. Including who and what I am.
I was the Tin Man, and in order for me to live, for her to live, I must take them down. The Inner Circle, aka Oz.
Which means I must take down all the players in Oz, including the Lion, The Scarecrow, Dorothy, and the Wizard.
This is not the Wonderland you read about in fairy tales, but a dark bad place. Before you go, remember to bring an Ax.
**The Inner Circle Series is a Suspenseful Romance, which includes mature themes and scenes. TV-Mature.
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Author Kailin Gow
About the Author Kailin Gow is a million-selling international and USA Today bestselling author who writes in many genres under her name and other pen names. She has been an invited speaker on Book Expo America, appeared on CBS News about writing books with social issues, and the Top 15 National radio regularly on women’s issues, women in film and Hollywood, and leadership. She is also an award-winning producer, director, screenwriter, and television host of 4 tv series with 2 more series in 2020.
Welcome to the book blitz for KENNEDY AND TRISTAN, the first book in the adult romantic suspense series, Moretti Crime Family, by Frances Paul. See below for the for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive teaser excerpt, the book’s trailer, and details on her giveaway.
KENNEDY AND TRISTAN (Moretti Crime Family Series #1) by Frances Paul
From the author, Frances Paul comes an electrifying standalone romance thriller that breaks all the rules!
Kennedy & Tristan is a suspense that will have you holding your breath as you turn each page.
In a time of war even love can change sides.
A young Civil Engineer student travels to Italy to complete her studies at a prestigious university. Instead, she crosses paths with Tristan Moretti, a man whose business dealings dwell deep within the underworld–a world she never thought she’d be a part of. But Tristan becomes a force Kennedy can’t ignore. A man whose touch she can’t get enough of. She knows it’s dangerous. She knows falling for Tristan will lead to a lifetime of consequences. Still, she can’t stay away. Tristan has taken his father’s place as head of the Moretti Family–a role he’s been preparing for his whole life. He knows the kind of darkness that lurks within the shadows of his world, how it corrupts innocence, and ruins lives. But once he realizes Kennedy is the only woman he’ll ever want, nothing can stop him from having her. He’s determined to rule with her at his side and vows to protect her no matter the cost. As a lethal power slithers its way into their world and shakes the very foundation of the Moretti family, Tristan and Kennedy find themselves at the edge of survival where a decision must be made.
Do they stand together and fight…or will they be torn apart and fight each other?
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Trailer
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Author Frances Paul
About the Author Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She’s a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE TRAPPED DAUGHTER, a stand-alone adult psychological thriller by Jay Kerk. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on his giveaway.
Synopsis Have you ever been trapped somewhere? I have.
Have you ever found that the world does not believe you? I did.
I have been betrayed by the people I trusted the most. They coil around me like snakes, lulling me with whispers about protection and safetyand for your own good.
They offer up pills like sweets, promising me relief. Just take the meds and everything will be fine, Belle – the meds, Belle, the meds.
Everything will not be fine, and it never will be again. Justice is gone from the world. I have been wronged by Gabe, the man I loved most, and when I turned to others for backup, they sided with him because he’s a star. When I ran to my father for safety, he locked me up in his great big mansion and threw away the key. Now I drift like the ghost Gabe pretended I was, my bare feet tasting the coldness of rich tiles, my breath turning to ice.
Gabe isn’t real, they tell me. They insult me, they spit at me, then smile and pretend that they wish to help. Meanwhile, Gabe is out there, luxuriating in all that I won for him, and I suffer and burn.
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Excerpt #3 About Gabe: 2011
We met for the first time on a dry autumn day. If I had known who I was going to meet on that day and what he would do to me, I would have turned back… but innocent me had no idea.
It was the kind of clichéd meeting most hopeless romantics dream of.
The ground was carpeted with leaves, and I was surrounded by the huge oak trees they’d fallen from, trying to cram my way through the crowded main entrance to the university. The passage could probably hold a few hundred of the thirty thousand students registered in an academic year at once, and it was hot with the smell of excitement and sweat.
I am a shy person, but back then – there should have been a stronger word to describe how shy I was. I walked with my gaze on my feet, my hair across my face, my shoulders hunched inwards as others bumped and barged me from left and right. I walked as one who wants to be invisible, and has almost – almost – achieved it.
The last bump was hard enough to knock my notepad out of my hand. I bent to pick it up, and was faced with a hand that wasn’t mine on the pages. I lifted my head and saw Gabe squatting in front of me.
Our eyes met, and I felt the butterflies, felt my mouth turn dry. I crouched motionlessly, bewildered by how perfect he was. Without a word, he gave me the book and hurried away, looking at his watch. I told myself, this is fate. I will marry this man one day.
I didn’t want anyone else. I loved him before he became a superstar – and once he did, I adored him.
I wish I could to listen to his music, waltz into one of his shows, a casual observer with nothing to lose, nothing to care about. People die from broken hearts, but I haven’t died. Yet.
I never I imagined I could stay in love with someone for so long.
I think we both knew I wouldn’t call.
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Author Jay Kerk
About the Author Jay Kerk uses his medical background and clinical experience as a physician to research and create disturbing psychological thrillers. His main driver is his fascination with the human mind and its vast capabilities, and he loves complex situations that test and challenge reality.
Synopsis A teen forger and thief forms a criminal crew from her high school friends (and crush) to perform a series of heists leading to the location of her missing mother in this action-packed contemporary YA novel.
By day, seventeen-year-old Fiona Spangler runs small cons for her ritzy prep-school classmates: getting them out of tests and forging fake hall passes. But by night, Fiona joins her dad on riskier heists: stealing back the clue-filled forgeries her mom scattered across the country before she disappeared. Fiona desperately hopes that her mother will be waiting at the end of the scavenger hunt she left behind.
And they are SO close. Just three more heists remain, but then disaster strikes when Fiona’s dad is captured by the FBI. Desperate to finish the job and save what’s left of her family, Fiona assembles of crew of teen criminals: a master of disguise who can transform into anyone, a talented hacker who only communicates in glares, and a rival con artist with a vendetta against—and possible crush on—Fiona.
All they have to do is perform three nearly impossible heists, solve her mother’s incredibly complex clues, and evade the FBI. Easy, right?
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My Review This was a nice diversion from real life, and just what I needed. Seventeen-year-old Fiona is the daughter of con artists. Her entire life has been devoted to learning the craft of the con. A talented artist and impeccable forger, she and her family have been pulling cons as long as she can remember. But when she was ten, her mother disappeared and left clues on how to find her in her forgeries. Fiona and her dad have been working to retrieve the forgeries and the clues so the family can be together again. At least until her father is caught pulling a job. Now Fiona must complete the mission herself. She pulls together a ragtag crew of high school friends, including a tech genius, a former cosplayer turned master of disguise, and her arch nemesis, but charming classmate she may or may not have a thing for,
Plot The story centers around Fiona finding her mother and the heists she needs to complete to gather all the clues to find her mother. The heists were well-planned and executed, and added such an entertaining thread through the book. There is a subtle romantic element with Colin, the son of the FBI agent who arrested her father and a number of twists; some I saw coming, others I didn’t, making this a well-plotted fun read.
The Characters The characters are what really makes this story. Fiona is a fully-engaging anti-hero as a con artist. At no point did I not pull for her. She’s a criminal, but she was so lovable and relatable, I wanted her to succeed at every turn. Her dad, while singularly driven, still clearly loves his daughter and puts her needs above his own. Her best friend Natalie and her tech guru, Tig, are both interesting in their own ways. And Colin, as the potential love interest, is just as complex as Fiona.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About THE CON CODE 1. Heists. We’ve been rewatching the Ocean’s Eleven movie franchise and I forgot how fun a well-developed con can be.
2. Fiona. She is so dedicated to finding her mom, but her loyalty to her crew at all costs makes her a hero to root for to the very end.
3. Action. The story moves with a lot of action and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
4. Loyalty. Fiona is loyal to her family and her friends and those loyalties are tested, making her even more relatable.
5. The Ending. I wasn’t sure how things were going to end up, but the author did a great job of wrapping everything up in a satisfying ending that wasn’t predictable.
Bottom Line A thrilling escapist read with fantastic characters and lots of action.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author Shana Silver studied creative writing at Syracuse University. She’s been a computer animator, an e-book creator for a major publisher, and now works as a Project Manager in digital and TV advertising where she enjoys telling people what to do. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, young daughter, and the characters she dreams up. MIND GAMES is her debut novel. THE CON CODE comes out in Summer 2020.
Welcome to the book blitz for TO THE BONE, a stand-alone young adult thriller, by J.R. Johansson. See below for information on the book, buy inks, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Seventeen-year-old Harley Martin has been obsessed with Paris for years. Between her passion for studying architecture and wanting to spend time with her cousin, Gretchen, there’s nowhere on Earth that she’d rather go. So when Harley’s parents feel guilty enough about their constant fighting to offer to send Harley to visit her cousin, Gretchen, she doesn’t hesitate.
But Gretchen and Harley have both changed in the years they’ve been apart. In an effort to rekindle their friendship, Harley agrees to Gretchen’s suggested activity, even though it’s outside her comfort zone: a tour with Gretchen and her friends through the off-limits section of the Paris Catacombs. Miles and miles of tunnels deep under the city, filled with the remains of more than six million people.
When a cave-in kills their guide and leaves the group injured, terrified, and lost with limited supplies, they must search for a way out from the endless maze beneath the city of light. But surrounded by shadows, it’s hard to tell friends from enemies. Harley doesn’t know if she can trust anyone, including her own cousin. If they ever want to get back to the surface, they’ll have to fight for everything they hold dear–for their sanity, their humanity, their very lives–in a place that only embraces death.
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Excerpt Across the room, I see a slight rain of dust fall from the top of the pillar the others are looking at. Paolo is bent over behind it like he’s examining something. I squint, focusing my flashlight on the falling dust, and I see the dirt around the bottom of that particular pillar is thicker than around the others. It looks different too, like powder . . .
Anders takes a step back from the pillar, shaking his head. “This doesn’t look very stable.”
James shoots Anders a look before saying, “You’re one to talk.” Anders stiffens.
Everything seems to slow down as Paolo pulls a skull from the pillar, holding it out teasingly toward Maud. My heart stops and my limbs go numb as I realize that the thick powder around the pillar is crumbled plaster. “No,” I say softly, but our guide must hear me because he spins around.
Lambert reacts much faster than I do. He runs, arms stretched out and body rigid with panic. Maud recoils from Paolo in disgust as he puts down his flashlight and pulls another skull free from the pillar.
“Stop!” M. Lambert shouts. “Don’t touch that!”
“Run!” I scream.
Anders steps back, pressing himself against the wall. Maud and Paolo simply freeze, whipping their heads around to look our way. I hear the rumbling before I feel it. Paolo must too, because he grabs Maud and James and jerks them back hard toward the far wall. Grabbing Gretchen, I drag her over behind the pillar I examined earlier. It’s strong, sturdy, and it might be our only chance of not being buried alive. As we rush past, I shout Henri’s name.
“What in—” Liv says.
“Move!” Henri pulls her toward me so fast she drops her camera and stumbles into Gretchen and me.
Our world vibrates and then a roar of noise fills my ears. Rocks crashing, bones and stone cracking, people screaming. I’m screaming too. I’ve never heard so many people sound so desperately afraid. Flashlight beams spin wildly about before all the light is dimmed by falling dust and debris. Gretchen and I hold tight to each other and I close my eyes against the dust that burns them like fire.
The shaking seems to go on forever until suddenly it stops. Seconds pass in eerie silence. My lungs burn and Gretchen coughs against my shoulder.
Somebody moans. I think it’s Henri. I reach for him, finding his jacket and gripping it.
“Are you okay?” I try to say, but the words aren’t clear. My voice sounds raspy and broken.
I open my eyes a little. The dust is settling, and if I squint I can see a bit without my eyes burning. Not that there is much to see. There are spots of light shining through the dust cloud in a few places, but most of the flashlights have been buried. I’m afraid to sit up straight, terrifi ed that the shaking will begin again and the ceiling will fall in and crush us all. My breathing comes in tight gasps as I fight to push away the panic. The air burns my throat and lungs until I’m coughing again.
Henri digs out his big flashlight and shines it around the room. “Oh no,” he whispers.
Gretchen and I shift our position until we can see where he’s looking. My stomach rolls and I feel like I might be sick. Where the farthest pillar stood, now there is a massive pile of dirt, rocks, and bones. Nearly half of the room is caved in. The pile reaches up to the ceiling. Two of the five tunnels out of the room are blocked.
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Author J.R. Johansson
About the Author J.R. JOHANSSON is the author of the Night Walkers Series (INSOMNIA, PARANOIA and MANIA) as well as standalone novels, CUT ME FREE and THE ROW. Her books have been published in over a dozen languages and more than twenty countries worldwide. She is the creator and host of the Riveting Reads podcast and the AuthorGamerGirl channel on Twitch. She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. She lives in a valley where the sun shines 300+ days per year with her hot tub named Valentino. Visit her online at www.jrjohansson.com.
Author Joshua Magnotta is revealing the cover to A SWEET, SOFT GLOW, a stand-alone adult thriller, releasing December 15, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
A SWEET, SOFT GLOW by Joshua Magnotta
About the Book Title: A SWEET, SOFT GLOW Author: Joshua Magnotta Release Date:December 15, 2020
Genre: Adult Thriller
Links: Goodreads
Synopsis In the ten years since John Malley lost his wife and daughter, he has slowly faded into obscurity in a rural Pennsylvania town. He spends his days at the local bar and tries to numb the pain of his loss. That is, until Ted’s Dead Rose Tavern becomes the home of the biggest mass killing in the history of the town. John, the lone survivor of the killing-spree, is forced on the run. He heads north where he hopes to hide out at his brother’s house.
Meanwhile, in New York City, young Melanie Parker investigates a disturbing new trend she discovered online. From what she has learned, metallic black bands worn along the forearm are responsible for some form of mind control. Skeptical of this theory, Melanie embarks on a night time excursion that places her in the middle of a riot in the middle of the city. Melanie fights for her life as chaos spreads throughout the city.
As John witnesses the events in New York, he is compelled to take action. But once in the city, John is forced to confront his past.
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Author Joshua Magnotta
About the Author Josh Magnotta has been a resident of northern Pennsylvania for most of his life. Throughout his early life and teenager years he was an avid writer but during college drifted away from the passion as work and other priorities took precedence. In 2014 he graduated from college and soon began working swing shift in a factory. It was here, during off shifts where Josh would read during the night to stay awake, that his passion for writing was rekindled. After leaving the factory-life behind Josh went back to college and began work on his first novel, A Sweet, Soft Glow. He has since been writing ever since.
Acorn Publishing and author J.C. Farmer are revealing the cover to COUNTERFEIT LOVER, the first book in the adult romantic thriller series, American Fairytale, releasing November 24, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
COUNTERFEIT LOVER (American Fairytale Series #1) by J.C. Farmer
About the Book Title: COUNTERFEIT LOVER Series:American Fairytale Series #1 Author: J.C. Farmer Publisher: Acorn Publishing Release Date:November 24, 2020
Genre: Adult Romantic Thriller
Links: Goodreads
Synopsis Darrin Clark is an impoverished young man, madly in love with his long-time friend Janie. He is desperate for a job, and any way to win Janie’s affections. Then a Hollywood studio promises to make him a movie star—if he will submit to a face-modifying procedure they are developing.
Darrin’s love overcomes his fear, and he allows the movie studio to alter his face. Soon his dreams come true. He is extraordinarily handsome, rich, and popular, full of the confidence he needs to earn Janie’s love. Yet, changing faces doesn’t seem enough, and the studio wants him to sacrifice more of his identity than just his appearance.
His plan to win Janie’s heart becomes complicated when she unexpectedly joins the cast and changes her face too. Now a gorgeous star, she’s pursued by prominent, powerful men, and beneath the glitz and glamour, Darrin finds himself in a world of death and deceit, where anyone can have any face.
Several of his friends have been murdered by a mysterious killer, and the ability to alter appearances seems to make the criminal invincible. Soon, Darrin abandons his pursuit of Janie, simply hoping to keep her alive.The only way to outsmart the ruthless villain is to risk everything. How drastic a transformation is Darrin willing to make for love?
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Author J.C. Farmer
About the Author Jerome Connelly Farmer has had a successful career as an engineer, inventor and technology consultant. He has three engineering degrees from Stanford and an MBA from the Anderson School. He has several patents and spent many years managing engineering teams and consulting for high-tech firms, movie studios, and Fortune 500 companies.
J.C. was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He is an airplane pilot, sailor, scuba diver and avid traveler; he has explored Tibet, camped in the Australian outback, canoed through the Amazon River, and retraced segments of Ernest Shackleton’s famous rescue in Antarctic. J. C.’s passion for wildlife photography has taken him to all seven continents, including searching for Komodo Dragons in Indonesia, wild macaws in the Peruvian jungle, endangered species in the Galapagos Islands, Duck-billed Platypus in Australia, and White Rhinoceros in Botswana.
J.C. is the author of the romantic thriller Counterfeit Lover and the children’s book Santa’s Dashboard. Writing combines his love for adventure, invention and exploration.
When he is not traveling, J.C. lives in Solana Beach, CA.
Author Lynda Throsby is revealing the cover to THE PAIN THEY FEEL, the first book in her adult psychological romantic thriller series, The Pain, releasing August 12, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book, pre-order links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE PAIN THEY FEEL (The Pain Series #1) by Lynda Throsby
Synopsis Blaine has never stopped thinking about her. All those years ago when he saved her life, they had a connection. He didn’t know as a ten-year-old what that was, but those blue eyes of hers have helped him throughout his life, coming to mind during his darkest moments. He only hoped he would one day see her again.
He knew he wasn’t normal, whatever normal was. Though he didn’t physically feel pain, he suffered years of abuse with his mama telling him he was a freak. This made him think about pain to the point of obsession.
Needing to understand the pain they feel.
Primrose has never stopped thinking about the boy with the greenest eyes and the messiest black hair. Her knight in shining armor, the boy who saved her life when she was young.
She’d suffered two major losses in her life before she was eight years old. Living with a sister who hated her and made her life hell, the only solace she found was when she was sketching and painting the boy with the greenest eyes.
She knew they had a connection but didn’t understand it. She hoped she would one day see him again.
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Author Lynda Throsby
About the Author Lynda lives in Cheshire in the UK. She runs a successful financial business with her husband.
As a young teenager Lynda used to read horror books with a love for everything Stephen King and James Herbert. She has always wanted to write and even wrote horror stories at age 13/14. A little later she started reading Jackie Collins and Jilly Cooper and has always had a love of books. This then exploded with Twilight and Fifty Shades as it did with most people, oh, and the introduction of E-Readers.
In her spare time, she has a season ticket for Manchester City Football Club and goes to all the home games. Loves going to concerts and the theatre. She goes to the cinema at least once a week. Then when the weather is nice you can see her gliding down the road on her Harley Davidson 1200T motorbike.
Travelling is also high on the agenda and her dream is to visit every state in the USA.
Welcome to the book blitz for BASED ON LIES – THE WHOLE STORY, a stand-alone adult dark romance/psychological thriller, by Debarshi Kanjilal. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on his giveaway.
BASED ON LIES – THE WHOLE STORY by Debarshi Kanjilal
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: BASED ON LIES – THE WHOLE STORY Author: Debarshi Kanjilal Release Date: May 1, 2020 Genre: Adult Dark Romance/Psychological Thriller Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis A psychopath.
An infidel.
A child abuser.
A murderer.
A lover.
An insomniac.
A disturbed man.
A victim of his own mind.
Each one of these phrases can aptly describe Anurag Sanyal. This is Anurag’s story.
He has confessed it all to his diary. He has described every crime in vivid, nauseating detail. And each account is more surreal, more messed up than the last. There is only one problem – everything he narrates is based on lies.
And thus, we begin the eternal search for truth.
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Excerpt #2 Anurag smiled hesitantly and said, “It’s okay. I know you are here to help. And I trust any choice that Aditi makes.”
“Good,” I said, as I stood next to him. I drew a chair for myself and sat down in front of him.
“You love Aditi, don’t you?” I asked.
“Of course, I do,” said Anurag. “Anyone else, I would have been struggling to keep paying exorbitant alimonies for years now. But Aditi is different. I wish I could have done more for her, given her a child, perhaps.”
This sentiment wasn’t new. I had read something similar in his diary. And that scared me; his diary couldn’t be dismissed as a madman’s blabbering if he can recall any or all of it.
“Does Aditi feel that way about the child? Are you sure that she even wishes to have a child with you?” I asked.
Anurag burst into laughter. “Which married woman in her thirties doesn’t want a child, doctor? Let me call you doctor, makes you seem important! Anyway, I don’t need to ask her that question, doctor. I have been with her long enough to know what her heart desires.”
I tried to stay calm. After the silence simmered for half a minute, Anurag added, “If I did ask her, she’d say ‘you’re the child in our marriage, Avi, we don’t need another one,’ but I know she would just be saying that.”
I was caught with my guard down. ‘Avi!’ I exclaimed as I turned to the door into the room to look at Aditi, who had been standing there calmly all along. She turned her gaze down to the floor and then silently turned and walked away. I tried to gather my composure—futile efforts. I looked back at Anurag and asked him, “I am sorry, I didn’t read your full name yet. That was really careless of me.”
“It’s okay, doctor. After all, you are not a real doctor, so you are allowed to make mistakes! It’s Kar, Avinit Kar.”
“Of course, Avinit. Avinit, do you know anyone named Anurag?”
“Yes, of course, I knew Anurag, but haven’t you heard?”
And with that preface, Anurag started talking. And before I couldn’t take any more of the ridiculous story he narrated, he had suggested that Anurag, who was someone other than himself, had died in a terrible road accident, and Aditi is now grieving his death.
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Author Debarshi Kanjilal
About the Author Debarshi Kanjilal is an urban fiction writer based out of Bangalore, India. He published his first novella, Crimes of Love, just before the 2017 holiday season and it was touted as a gripping psychological thriller by several reputable reviewers.
DK ran the ‘God of Absurdity’ blog from 2012 to 2015, which published humorous anecdotes and reflection pieces. He is also an accomplished learning experience design professional who has help shaped adult learning content strategy for some of the most reputable organizations in the world.
You can keep up to date with his work on LinkedIn, Instagram, or his website.
Welcome to the book blitz for RICH, the fifth book in the adult romantic suspense/thriller series, Benson Security, by Janet Elizabeth Henderson. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
RICH (Benson Security Series #5) by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
Synopsis Rachel Ford-Talbot has nothing to do with her family or their pharmaceutical business. And she likes it that way. As one of four partners who own an internationally renowned security business, Rachel prefers to leave her past, with all its secrets, deeply buried.
But when a series of thefts reveal that the family business is being targeted for industrial espionage, her father begs Rachel to investigate. His illness makes it hard for her to refuse, but Rachel wonders if he truly understands what he’s unleashing on his company. Because she isn’t the same bright-eyed graduate that walked through their doors years earlier. Now, she’s strong, powerful, and somewhat terrifying. A woman who doesn’t suffer fools lightly and who is afraid of nothing.
She also isn’t alone.
This time, she has the might and expertise of Benson Security at her back. And an ex-CIA agent at her side—because Michael “Harvard” Carter has appointed himself her bodyguard for the duration. Even though Rachel doesn’t need, or want, the annoyingly sexy man’s help. But while the world sees a first-class bitch when they look at her, Michael sees only someone who intrigues him. Which makes him the biggest threat of all.
***This is a standalone novel. You don’t have to have read any of my other books to enjoy it.***
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Excerpt #1 Rachel hadn’t said more than ten words during the hour-long drive from central London to the heart of Surrey. You didn’t have to be a genius to know what was bothering her. They were on their way to dinner with her family, where he’d pose as her fiancé. To say Rachel wasn’t thrilled would be an understatement.
“You realize you’ve got a real-life spy in your James Bond car,” Harvard said into a silence that was so thick it made it hard to breathe.
If looks could kill, the glance she shot in his direction would have incinerated him. “You are no James Bond.”
Rachel’s hands tightened on the steering wheel of her Aston Martin, making the emerald cut diamond in her engagement ring catch the light and gleam. He’d spent days hunting down the perfect ring for her and had finally settled on a solitaire diamond in a platinum setting. Icy and elegant, just like Rachel, it was worth every cent he’d spent. Although well aware this was purely an undercover op, he hadn’t been able to resist the urge to see his ring on her finger. Of course, being Rachel, when he’d given it to her, she’d slipped it on without a word. But that alone had told him she liked it. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have worn it.
“I know, I’m no James Bond.” He relaxed back into the gray leather of the passenger seat and smiled at her. “He makes stupid decisions that would get him killed in real life. Plus, he’s a chauvinist asshole.”
She did that dramatic eye-roll thing that made his dick stand to attention. Damn, she was sexy as hell. All class and ice and keen intelligence. From her sleek mahogany hair falling against pale porcelain skin to her professionally manicured blood-red fingernails, she was perfection. Ever since he’d set eyes on her, he’d wanted to touch. But Rachel was resisting. He just wasn’t sure why—yet.
He’d seen the way she watched him when she thought he wasn’t looking. The woman practically drooled. And it wasn’t like she was a nun either. She’d dated in the time he’d been at Benson Security. One date per man. Which was the only reason Harvard had let them live—their lack of repeat access to Rachel.
“Why don’t you keep the flowers I send you?” The question popped out, even though an idiot could guess the answer.
“Maybe because I don’t want them.” She arched a perfectly groomed brow at him. “Or you.”
Oh, it was on the tip of his tongue to call her on her lies. On more than one occasion, he’d caught her touching the petals of the flowers he had delivered to her office every Monday. There had been a wistful softening in her face before she’d lifted the vase they’d come in and dumped it in the trash.
He hadn’t imagined it either. Elle Roberts, their resident computer genius, had alerted him to her behavior when she’d asked why Rachel didn’t keep the flowers she so obviously wanted. Like everything else about the woman who fascinated him, the answer was a mystery.
Unfortunately for Rachel, Harvard loved mysteries. He’d always been a sucker for a puzzle other people couldn’t solve. And for women who could kick his ass. Yeah, Rachel was his dream woman.
There was no denying he had issues.
“This is a complete waste of time.” She didn’t bother to signal before cutting someone off. “The only person at this dinner who doesn’t know our engagement is fake is my sister-in-law. Why do we have to pretend for Amelia? It isn’t like she’s involved in the family company. All she thinks about outside of Jonathan is her precious cello. She’s hardly likely to notice there’s anyone else in the room, let alone that you’re supposed to be my fiancé.”
“Your father seems to think this dinner will be good practice for convincing the rest of your family.”
“I honestly don’t see how.”
“Just go with it. There’s no point in letting it upset you.”
“Upset me?” She cast him a glance full of outrage. “This isn’t upsetting me. This is nothing but an irritation. I’m more annoyed that my weekend plans were ruined by your pathetic need for my assistance.”
Oh yeah, she could flay the skin off his balls with one sentence. And why the hell did that make him want her more? Harvard was beginning to think his closest friends were right: his taste in women was going to get him killed one day.
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Author Janet Elizabeth Henderson
About the Author Janet is a Scot who moved to New Zealand fifteen years ago. Among other things, she’s been an artist, a teacher, a security guard at a castle, a magazine editor, and a cleaner in a drop in center for drug addicts (NOT the best job!). She now writes full-time and is working on her 19th book. Her books have won several awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award for excellence in mystery and suspense. When she isn’t living in her head, she raises two kids, one husband, and several random animals. She survives on chocolate and caffeine.
Welcome to the blog tour for TEN SECONDS TO DEAD, a stand-alone adult thriller, by L.A. Clayton. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Kate Edison witnesses her father’s death and, in order to keep his memory alive, decides to follow in his footsteps by joining the CIA. She molds herself into becoming exactly what the CIA is looking for—and captures their interest, both personally and professionally. But before she can finish the CIA process, Kate is offered a position as an espionage agent in another highly secretive government agency, which she accepts.
While completing her agency training, Kate is catapulted into a shadowy world where wealth and power are the ultimate goal, and those in charge will stop at nothing to get it. While on the job, Kate uncovers secrets that, if revealed, would cost her life, but if kept, could bring down a nation. Isolated and unsure of who to trust, she brings in a fellow agent, but pulling him into the web of conspiracy and lies puts a target on both their backs – and it will take every skill they’ve ever learned as agents to stay alive long enough to stop the enemy no one else can see.
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Excerpt #1 “Ms. Edison, this is Officer Lyon.”
This was it. All my hard work, all the hours of studying—all the sacrifice came down to this moment. This phone call.
“I appreciate the opportunity, Officer Lyon,” I said, nervousness swirling in my belly. The phone in my hand felt big and heavy. I was sitting on my old bed, in the room I’d grown up in. The call needed to be made over a landline, and the best option was at my mom’s house. Though, if my mom had known what call this really was, she would have kicked me out of her house and slammed the door.
The room hadn’t changed much. My desk, where I had spent so much time, was still across from my bed, my old and likely useless computer still perched on top. The maps that showed the origins of all the languages I had intended to learn—marked with different-colored pushpins—still covered the wall above my desk. The same funny-nerdy science posters still flanked the maps. One read, “YOU MATTER. Until you multiply yourself times the speed of light squared. THEN YOU ENERGY.” That one still made me smile. Remnants of the sticky-sweet perfume I had used in my youth, in quantities far too large, still hung in the air.
Officer Lyon was all business. “This will be your first official interview with the Central Intelligence Agency. I must advise you that this call will be recorded, as well as all future calls, interviews, and interactions with the CIA throughout your interview process with us, however long that may be. This will likely be our most casual interview, so relax and answer the questions naturally. Please state your full name.”
I cleared my throat. “Katherine Elaine Edison. But please, call me Kate.”
“Ms. Edison.”
Right. I should have assumed formality would be important here. Mistake number one, check. That would be my last.
“I am curious to know if you have any notion as to why the CIA is interested in you.”
I didn’t mind talking about my accomplishments—I worked hard, after all—but I didn’t want to come off sounding self-important either. I thought through my words carefully. “Well, I speak several languages and graduated at the top of my class in both my undergrad and law school. I assume that has something to do with it.” I could have also mentioned that those schools were Ivy League, that my double major in international law and diplomacy and in journalism were both preferred programs at the CIA, and that I didn’t just graduate at the top of my class—I was the top of my class, as in the number-one student. But I assumed he already knew all of that and that it was how I had landed the interview in the first place.
If I came off sounding pompous, Officer Lyon didn’t react. “Those are all likely things that did add to your qualifications. What exactly do you think we do here in the CIA?”
Again, an answer I had to think about carefully. “I am aware that there are many different positions within the CIA: analytics, language, science, engineering, and technological positions, to name a few. Also, of course, directorate of operations.”
The last one—directorate of operations—was where I wanted to be. Where I was meant to be. Where my dad had been. The clandestine service of the CIA. This was my goal.
“Of course … the spies. I should tell you that if this is an area of interest for you, you will have to get in line,” Officer Lyon said. Derisiveness dripped from his words.
I wasn’t sure if he was trying to discourage me or motivate me with that comment. But I definitely felt the latter. I had worked hard for this opportunity. I kept myself out of trouble—not too hard a task when a person’s studies took up all of the daylight the sun had to offer and then some—and I was careful to only keep up friendships with people who also valued education and abiding by the law. I was always the girl who chose her studies over parties. When my friends were in need of a break from the monotony of school, they would go the beach for a weekend. While they were gone I cherished the quiet, taking the time to study harder. I never found school monotonous; I craved learning.
Officer Lyon asked questions for another thirty minutes. Then, before hanging up, he scheduled a face-to-face interview with me for the following week and recommended a book for me to read beforehand.
I smiled. I knew the book. I’d read it years ago.
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Author L.A. Clayton
About the Author
L.A. Clayton has been an avid reader her entire life, devouring books at an alarming rate. Her husband often jokes that if she didn’t buy so many books they could retire. She went to bed one night a reader and woke up with a fresh memory of a dream she’d had the night before, sat down and became a writer.
L.A. Clayton lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and their four young children. She makes time for writing in between wiping noses and packing lunches.
Welcome to the blog tour for THE SECRET BROKERS, the first book in the adult romantic suspense/thriller series, Secret Brokers, by Alexandrea Weis. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE SECRET BROKERS (Secret Brokers Series #1) by Alexandrea Weis
Synopsis Dallas August runs a dangerous business—an organization of elite spies for hire.
The secrets trade.
Nothing is off limits, and no price is too high.
When asked to uncover what recluse Gwen Marsh knows about a Mafia kingpin’s death, Dallas poses as a bodyguard to get close to his target, but the stubborn Asian beauty wants nothing to do with him. As the FBI and the Mafia close in, danger drives them together, but can he protect Gwen, or will Dallas be the one risking everything to discover what she is really hiding?
Dallas August is about to find out how dangerous life can be as one of the Secret Brokers.
Once you are in, there is no turning back.
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Excerpt #3 “I bet you liked talking to your patients,” Dallas said. “You seem like someone who cares.”
Gwen swept the medical supplies into an empty drawer and softly smiled. “Yeah, I liked talking to my patients. Heard a hell of a lot of great stories.”
“What about secrets? Did any of your patients ever tell you things you wished they hadn’t?”
Gwen shut the drawer. “Yeah, some told me secrets, mostly people at death’s doorstep. There were things I wished they had never told me, but my job was to listen.”
Dallas stepped closer to the vanity. “That sounds dangerous.”
Her voice softened. “Listening to the last confessions of the dying isn’t dangerous.”
“It is when you learn things that others may want to know.”
She tilted her head and deepened the lines on her brow. “What kinds of things?”
“Did anyone you took care of ever tell you things that could hurt others?” Dallas blocked her way out of the room. “Information, perhaps. About their business, or something they knew about another person. Something that others would kill for.”
“And if they had, why would I tell you? You’re here as my protector; not my priest.”
She rushed past him. He reached out to stop her, wanting to push her harder, but all the lies and manipulation suddenly lost their appeal, and he let her go. He had to get what Carl wanted, but it didn’t feel right. Dallas believed he could step into the field and pick up where he’d left off, but he didn’t have the stomach for hurting people anymore.
The slam of the bedroom door twisted the knife of regret deeper into his belly.
When had he changed? He couldn’t pinpoint a time or place, all he knew was that he wasn’t the cold-blooded specialist he’d attempted to resurrect. That Dallas August was dead.
He still had days ahead locked away with Gwen in the enormous house. The prospect terrified him, but then he remembered her skin, her gentle kiss, her eyes, and the daunting task ebbed. Perhaps what had changed wasn’t so much Dallas, but how he felt about Gwen.
Enough of this bullshit. Do the job and walk away.
His frustration needed venting before he did something stupid.
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Author Alexandrea Weis
About the Author Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.
Welcome to the book blitz for TEN SECONDS TO DEAD, a stand-alone adult thriller, by L.A. Clayton. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Kate Edison witnesses her father’s death and, in order to keep his memory alive, decides to follow in his footsteps by joining the CIA. She molds herself into becoming exactly what the CIA is looking for—and captures their interest, both personally and professionally. But before she can finish the CIA process, Kate is offered a position as an espionage agent in another highly secretive government agency, which she accepts.
While completing her agency training, Kate is catapulted into a shadowy world where wealth and power are the ultimate goal, and those in charge will stop at nothing to get it. While on the job, Kate uncovers secrets that, if revealed, would cost her life, but if kept, could bring down a nation. Isolated and unsure of who to trust, she brings in a fellow agent, but pulling him into the web of conspiracy and lies puts a target on both their backs – and it will take every skill they’ve ever learned as agents to stay alive long enough to stop the enemy no one else can see.
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Excerpt “Ms. Edison, this is Officer Lyon.”
This was it. All my hard work, all the hours of studying—all the sacrifice came down to this moment. This phone call.
“I appreciate the opportunity, Officer Lyon,” I said, nervousness swirling in my belly. The phone in my hand felt big and heavy. I was sitting on my old bed, in the room I’d grown up in. The call needed to be made over a landline, and the best option was at my mom’s house. Though, if my mom had known what call this really was, she would have kicked me out of her house and slammed the door.
The room hadn’t changed much. My desk, where I had spent so much time, was still across from my bed, my old and likely useless computer still perched on top. The maps that showed the origins of all the languages I had intended to learn—marked with different-colored pushpins—still covered the wall above my desk. The same funny-nerdy science posters still flanked the maps. One read, “YOU MATTER. Until you multiply yourself times the speed of light squared. THEN YOU ENERGY.” That one still made me smile. Remnants of the sticky-sweet perfume I had used in my youth, in quantities far too large, still hung in the air.
Officer Lyon was all business. “This will be your first official interview with the Central Intelligence Agency. I must advise you that this call will be recorded, as well as all future calls, interviews, and interactions with the CIA throughout your interview process with us, however long that may be. This will likely be our most casual interview, so relax and answer the questions naturally. Please state your full name.”
I cleared my throat. “Katherine Elaine Edison. But please, call me Kate.”
“Ms. Edison.”
Right. I should have assumed formality would be important here. Mistake number one, check. That would be my last.
“I am curious to know if you have any notion as to why the CIA is interested in you.”
I didn’t mind talking about my accomplishments—I worked hard, after all—but I didn’t want to come off sounding self-important either. I thought through my words carefully. “Well, I speak several languages and graduated at the top of my class in both my undergrad and law school. I assume that has something to do with it.” I could have also mentioned that those schools were Ivy League, that my double major in international law and diplomacy and in journalism were both preferred programs at the CIA, and that I didn’t just graduate at the top of my class—I was the top of my class, as in the number-one student. But I assumed he already knew all of that and that it was how I had landed the interview in the first place.
If I came off sounding pompous, Officer Lyon didn’t react. “Those are all likely things that did add to your qualifications. What exactly do you think we do here in the CIA?”
Again, an answer I had to think about carefully. “I am aware that there are many different positions within the CIA: analytics, language, science, engineering, and technological positions, to name a few. Also, of course, directorate of operations.”
The last one—directorate of operations—was where I wanted to be. Where I was meant to be. Where my dad had been. The clandestine service of the CIA. This was my goal.
“Of course … the spies. I should tell you that if this is an area of interest for you, you will have to get in line,” Officer Lyon said. Derisiveness dripped from his words.
I wasn’t sure if he was trying to discourage me or motivate me with that comment. But I definitely felt the latter. I had worked hard for this opportunity. I kept myself out of trouble—not too hard a task when a person’s studies took up all of the daylight the sun had to offer and then some—and I was careful to only keep up friendships with people who also valued education and abiding by the law. I was always the girl who chose her studies over parties. When my friends were in need of a break from the monotony of school, they would go the beach for a weekend. While they were gone I cherished the quiet, taking the time to study harder. I never found school monotonous; I craved learning.
Officer Lyon asked questions for another thirty minutes. Then, before hanging up, he scheduled a face-to-face interview with me for the following week and recommended a book for me to read beforehand.
I smiled. I knew the book. I’d read it years ago.
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Author L.A. Clayton
About the Author
L.A. Clayton has been an avid reader her entire life, devouring books at an alarming rate. Her husband often jokes that if she didn’t buy so many books they could retire. She went to bed one night a reader and woke up with a fresh memory of a dream she’d had the night before, sat down and became a writer.
L.A. Clayton lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and their four young children. She makes time for writing in between wiping noses and packing lunches.
Welcome to the blog tour for KEYSTONE, a standalone young adult scifi romance series, by Katie Delahanty. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis When Ella Karman debuts on the Social Stock Exchange, she finds out life as a high profile “Influencer” isn’t what she expected. Everyone around her is consumed by their rankings, in creating the smoke and mirrors that make them the envy of the world.
But then Ella’s best friend betrays her, her rankings tank, and she loses—everything.
Leaving her old life behind, she joins Keystone, a secret school for thieves, where students are trained to seal everything analog and original because something—or someone—is changing history to suit their needs.
Partnered with the annoyingly hot—and utterly impossible—Garrett Alexander, who has plenty of his own secrets, Ella is forced to return to the Influencer world, while unraveling a conspiracy that began decades ago.
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Excerpt #3 A reaction that existed before this time where knowledge rules and skill declines. Truth uncovered, recharged, raved, then buried in greed to protect fame. Taken from the hedonistic night; it is a giver of light. Break the world, make it shine, and take your place among the divine.
Slamming down my pencil, I read the riddle again. And again.
Existed before this time… Pre-Information Age…but how far back? Buried in greed to protect fame…hidden truth…someone else took credit… Recharged, giver of light… A power source? Taken from the hedonistic night… Stolen from an orgy?
I run through the possibilities I know exist in the vault: The Louvre…Museo Nacional de Antropología… Hmmm… Maybe something from ancient times? The Antikythera mechanism, one of the earliest analog computers, is in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens… Maybe I should start there? I concentrate, waiting for something to click, and come up empty. All the while the clock is ticking. At least I’m not alone. Sneaking a glance at Garrett with his head bowed over his cipher, a strand of hair falling across his forehead, I take consolation in the fact that he hasn’t figured it out, either.
Drawn to him, I take advantage of his closeness—and rare silence. Tracing his strong jaw and full lips, I feel heat build in my center. He’s perfect. As if he hears my thoughts, his eyes snap up, connecting with mine. They seem darker today, the usual gray-green reading charcoal. Rimmed with kohl to disguise their symmetry, they are like black holes, sucking me in, bending the light in the room, and I sit frozen, heart pounding, unable to look away.
Speaking of hedonistic nights…
I blink myself back into reality, and I’ve got it. Babylon. Symbolic of all that’s evil in the Bible, awaiting her fall in Revelation…The answer is the Babylon Battery. The history lesson comes flooding back. Also known as the Baghdad Battery, it’s an ancient jar containing what was identified as an electric cell, dating back thousands of years before Alessandro Volta took credit for inventing the battery. It was looted from the National Museum of Iraq when the U.S. invaded in 2003, and then was later stolen by a Keystone alumnus and donated to the Vault. It now resides in the Pyramid. If only I can get there first… It’s clear on the other side of the Vault, and I don’t know how to get there from here, having only stumbled upon it once by accident.
A slow smile spreads across Garrett’s face. “Welcome back. You’re cute when you’re analyzing, but be careful not to chew that pretty lip until it bleeds.”
My stomach drops, but I refuse to let him distract me.
“What’s this?” he asks, touching the tiger’s eye I wear at my throat. “Good luck charm?”
“I don’t need luck.” Making sure my glare is received, I leap out of my seat and rush to the door. Unfortunately, I’m no match for his longer strides, and he catches me, snaking his arm around my shoulders just as I’m about to exit.
“Fair enough,” he says. “Do you want to walk over there together?”
“Do you know where we’re supposed to be going?” I stare up at him, my head tucked perfectly against his shoulder. Holding my breath, I resist inhaling his spicy scent.
He laughs. “I think so, but just in case, why don’t you tell me where you’re going?”
“Not a chance.”
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Author Katie Delahanty
About the Author Katie lives in Los Angeles with her husband, twin daughters, and son. Growing up in Pittsburgh, she loved old movies and playing dress up, but never considered telling stories of her own until she was asked to start a blog for the sleepwear company she worked for. Unsure what to say about lingerie, she wrote a fictional serial about a girl chasing her costume design dreams who fell in love with a rock star along the way. And that’s when Katie fell in love with storytelling. That blog became The Brightside Series and she’s been waking before dawn to write ever since..
Today is release day for KEYSTONE, a standalone young adult scifi romance series, by Katie Delahanty. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis When Ella Karman debuts on the Social Stock Exchange, she finds out life as a high profile “Influencer” isn’t what she expected. Everyone around her is consumed by their rankings, in creating the smoke and mirrors that make them the envy of the world.
But then Ella’s best friend betrays her, her rankings tank, and she loses—everything.
Leaving her old life behind, she joins Keystone, a secret school for thieves, where students are trained to seal everything analog and original because something—or someone—is changing history to suit their needs.
Partnered with the annoyingly hot—and utterly impossible—Garrett Alexander, who has plenty of his own secrets, Ella is forced to return to the Influencer world, while unraveling a conspiracy that began decades ago.
,
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Excerpt “But doesn’t being a Disconnect mean no technology? How would anyone even know about me?” I ask.
“We may live off the grid, but it’s important we’re aware of what’s going on in the world. At Keystone, we’re a special legion of Disconnects. Our mission is to steal analog history—to preserve the truth—before corporations and the government can alter the past to benefit their personal futures. We’re in danger of entering a Digital Dark Age, where the only information available is digital. Tape recordings, printed books, films, photographs—proof of history—are decaying and becoming scarce. Digital information is easy to tamper with, and there are forces at work that want current society to reflect their version of the past.” Allard sips her tea before continuing.
“Often, we’re after priceless works that are protected by the latest technology, so we have to understand tech even though we don’t use it ourselves. We have internet access in the Crypt—that’s our code-breaking library—and the TMI-feed is likely a guilty pleasure for some of the girls. They watch the Networks—they have to. For your Initiation Heist, you’ll be asked to go under cover in Influencer society, and you’ll need to know how to fit in—and how to hide in plain sight.”
“Initiation Heist?” I almost choke on my tea, the cup rattling in my trembling hands at having to reenter society.
“It’s the final test before becoming a full-fledged Keystone member with access toour top-level secrets, but don’t worry,” Allard says. “You’ll have plenty of time to learn our ways—and you’ll participate in a heist as an assistant to an Initiate—before you’re asked to lead a heist the following year.”
“Lead a heist?” My eyes bulge. “Right.”
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Author Katie Delahanty
About the Author Katie lives in Los Angeles with her husband, twin daughters, and son. Growing up in Pittsburgh, she loved old movies and playing dress up, but never considered telling stories of her own until she was asked to start a blog for the sleepwear company she worked for. Unsure what to say about lingerie, she wrote a fictional serial about a girl chasing her costume design dreams who fell in love with a rock star along the way. And that’s when Katie fell in love with storytelling. That blog became The Brightside Series and she’s been waking before dawn to write ever since..
Welcome to the prerelease blitz for KEYSTONE, a standalone young adult scifi romance series, by Katie Delahanty, releasing January 7, 2020. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis When Ella Karman debuts on the Social Stock Exchange, she finds out life as a high profile “Influencer” isn’t what she expected. Everyone around her is consumed by their rankings, in creating the smoke and mirrors that make them the envy of the world.
But then Ella’s best friend betrays her, her rankings tank, and she loses—everything.
Leaving her old life behind, she joins Keystone, a secret school for thieves, where students are trained to seal everything analog and original because something—or someone—is changing history to suit their needs.
Partnered with the annoyingly hot—and utterly impossible—Garrett Alexander, who has plenty of his own secrets, Ella is forced to return to the Influencer world, while unraveling a conspiracy that began decades ago.
,
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Playlist Crawling out of the lake, I sprawl on the beach, sucking in precious air for as long as I dare. Still breathless, I limp into the woods. My temples throb and I long to return to the house and climb into bed, to huddle under the blankets until the shivering stops. Last chance tokeep my old life.I could come out of this a survivor. My parents would be so proud… Once the story hit the Networks, my Influencer status would be reinstated—especially now that everyone who knew my family’s secret is…dead.
Isn’t that convenient?
I don’t dwell on who’s behind the explosion. Maybe part of me already knows the truth, but I’m not ready for it. Instead, the final fleeting glimpse I had of my best friend, Deena, her blond hair whipping across her face right before the blast, assaults me.
Doubling over, I swallow the sickness rising my throat, shutting my eyes against her. We weren’t speaking, but she didn’t deserve this. None of them did. Tears bubble down my cheeks. Dropping to my knees, I stare up at the starry sky, an irrevocable ache seeping through me. How can I be in this world without them?Wherever they are,can they see me? The universe is endless, and the stars shine down without even a wink.
A voice arrives on the breeze from the lake, its nearness sobering me. For the plan to work, the world needs to believe I’m dead. But if I stick to the plan I can never go back. That truth should terrify me, but I’m already overwhelmed. Besides, there’s nothing left to go back to. Not without Adam. He was the only one who made me feel like I mattered.Breathing deep, I heave myself to my feet and drag myself deeper into the woods. I have no home. I have to keep going.
The old me would have ordered a car to drive me from Lake Tahoe to the Sequoia National Forest, but the Disconnects offered me refuge on the condition I wouldn’t be tracked. Starting now, I’m invisible. They were supposed to send a guide, but he never showed up, and it’s pure luck I stumble upon the bikes, sneakers, and hooded sweatshirt hidden behind a tree. Taking it as a sign I’ve made the right decision, I yelp. Choking back the cry, I tug the sweatshirt over my dress with shaking hands. In the pocket I find a tube of glittery, gold paint and draw a haphazard zigzag over half my face to disguise my identity from facial-recognition cameras. The mark of a Disconnect.
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Author Katie Delahanty
About the Author Katie lives in Los Angeles with her husband, twin daughters, and son. Growing up in Pittsburgh, she loved old movies and playing dress up, but never considered telling stories of her own until she was asked to start a blog for the sleepwear company she worked for. Unsure what to say about lingerie, she wrote a fictional serial about a girl chasing her costume design dreams who fell in love with a rock star along the way. And that’s when Katie fell in love with storytelling. That blog became The Brightside Series and she’s been waking before dawn to write ever since..
