Blog Tour Feature: The Starling by Ellie Masters

¸.•*´¨❥¸.•*´¨ NEW RELEASE¸.•*´¨❥¸.•*´¨

 

Thief or modern day Robin Hood?

I am pleased to announce a cool book blog tour going on right now, presented by Ellie Masters, an author I met during my journey! Congratulations on your new romantic suspense release!

When a new book comes out, it is always an exciting time for authors!

Plus, here at the I Love Romance Blog, we love discovering new romance novels!

Let’s hear a little about this great book…

Intriguing cover!

This is the blurb for The Starling:

Thief or modern day Robin Hood? Recruited by the FBI to investigate the theft of a Van Gogh, Vivianne Faulks must work with a man who blurs the lines between the legal and illegal sale of art. As Viv is drawn further into the world of art auctions and international crime, the case threatens to uncover Faulks’ family secrets long buried since World War II. Not to mention, her enigmatic partner might be the very thief she’s been sent to catch. When her life’s put on the line, Viv no longer cares about recovering the stolen Van Gogh. With each twist and turn, she’s simply trying to stay alive.

Ellie is giving us a peek at her modern romantic suspense, The Starling, today.

Book Info:

Genre:  Contemporary Romantic Suspense, No Erotica

Length: 512 pages

Here is an excerpt.

“You want me to pretend to be your lover?”

With a nod, he released her hands and leaned back in the chair. “Mais oui. It’d be assumed you were sharing my bed.”

“Why does that even matter?” Who would care if their relationship was more than business?

“Accept Agent Radcliffe’s offer to consult on the case, and you’ll discover many secrets. You might even uncover some you’ve been hiding from yourself.”

Whatever does that mean?

The impact of his words hit her on a gut level, terrifying because of the allure they held. She cleared her throat. “Monsieur de Gaules, you must know I am engaged.”

“I know your relationship status. That’s what makes this perfect. The rumors will fly. The more attention we have focused on our relationship, the more freedom we’ll have to operate.”

“You place a lot of weight on the power of rumors, but I can’t risk my reputation for you or jeopardize my family name.”

Without warning, he stood, extending his hand.

Viv glanced at it, terrified to take it but more than willing to feel the heat of his skin against hers again. What would be the harm in one last affair? Even if it was pretend. How much loyalty did she hold to a fiancé she hated?

“If I do this…” Her breath fluttered in her lungs, tentative yet excited. “If I do this, that’s all it would be. An act…”

It was vital she established boundaries.

“We maintain a professional relationship between us, regardless of what others believe?”

She’d meant her words to sound confident, but they had come out more like a question.

The corner of his full lips bowed into a smile when she allowed him to take her hand. He flipped her wrist over and leaned down to sweep his lips across the back of her hand.

“But of course.”

A jolt of electricity shot up her arm.

“Strictly professional.”

She hated when men lied.

And here are some teasers to entice you with.

Purchase Links:

Universal reader link:  books2read.com/TheStarling

Wow! Love the tension here. ♥♥♥

What are people saying about this book?

“Imagine The Thomas Crown Affair merged with Entrapment and know that The Starling is an Oscar winner beyond those art heist films. What makes a good heist movie even better? A handsome leading man paired against a hot leading lady and The Starling scores BIG in that category. I am completely in love with the leading characters Vivianne Faulks and Paul de Gaules. The Starling has it all; intrigue, secrets, lies, sexual tension, international espionage, and stunning visual imagery like you wouldn’t believe. I was truly standing in Paris thanks to Ellie Masters’ gorgeous descriptions.” —Kay, Goodreads

“The Starling is a total page turner, I couldn’t read it fast enough.” —Katie, Goodreads

“Ellie Masters does a fantastic job describing scenes and feelings. I always can picture exactly what she’s describing because of her vivid details.” —Erika, Goodreads

“I love Vivianne and Paul!! This book is so exciting!! It had me wrapped into the pages from the beginning!!” —Vicki, Goodreads

“Captivating! Loved this story! Ellie Masters is truly a MASTER of Wordcraft! The sharp plot twists and turns, the building heat between the characters, the unexpected scenarios… can’t wait for the next book in this series!” —Mary Brannian, Amazon

“Wow!!! I haven’t read a FBI book quite like this one in a while. It was an amazing story. I instantly fell in love with this book.” —Paula G, Amazon

“Romance thriller with love thrown in! Every book Ellie writes is better than the one before. This spellbinding story is no different. Mystery thriller makes up this part 1 of a 3 part series. Great writing with chemistry;romance and why didn’t I see that plot twist! Sexy as well...” —Angel Lee, Amazon

Thank you for telling us about your new romantic suspense, Ellie! I know I can’t wait to read this riveting novel! 🙂

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this awesome book! Or add it to your Goodreads list!

Author Bio

ELLIE MASTERS is the bestselling author of Heart’s Insanity: an Angel Fire Rock Romance. She writes multiple genres, creating the stories she loves to read. These are dark erotic tales. Or maybe sweet contemporary stories. How about a romantic thriller to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Want to read passionate poems and sensual secrets? She does that too. Dip into the eclectic mind of Ellie Masters, spend time exploring the sensual realm where she breathes life into her characters and brings them from her mind to the page and into the heart of her readers every day.

Ellie’s favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch, laptop in place, watching a fire, drinking a good wine, and bringing forth all the characters from her mind to the page and hopefully into the hearts of her readers.

Author Links

Website:  www.elliemasters.com

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Ellie__Masters

Amazon Author Page:  amazon.com/author/elliemasters

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14502459.Ellie_Masters

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/110870531981786862699

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ellie-masters

Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/25rfnmQ

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

Newsletter Sign-up:  http://eepurl.com/uRvCr

 

Thank you for telling us about your awesome book tour! I know readers can’t wait to get ahold of this delicious romance!

Thanks again to Ellie and her blog tour sponsor!

We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

Happy reading, everyone!  ♥♥♥

Advertisements

Pre-order Release Feature: Captive by author Jenny Lynn

I am pleased to announce a great new release by Jenny Lynn, an author I met during my journey! Her new adult romantic suspense, Captive, officially went up for pre-order and will be released on March 13th!

That’s awesome! Congrats on your new release!

When a new book comes out, it is always an exciting time for an author!

Jenny is giving us a look at her intriguing new adult romantic suspense, Captive, today.

Great cover!

This is the blurb for Captive:

In the city of sin, who will be saved?

Beckett Carter is the last of his family; the head of Carter Enterprises and a reclusive billionaire living in a luxurious Las Vegas penthouse. Since his parents’ murder, his obsession with justice has steadily grown stronger, leading him to become the masked vigilante known to criminals as the Phantom. When he’s not out playing the part of a filthy rich playboy he trains his body hard, and in his disguise, he brings the criminal underworld to its knees.

Crime reporter Ella James keeps everyone at arm’s length, throwing herself into her work and her quest to find out what happened to her missing sister. She doesn’t let anyone get close enough to her to see how damaged she really is and afraid to trust anyone fully; she has never let a man touch her. While going undercover she puts her life in danger and discovers the secret identity of the Phantom as he ruthlessly eliminates a room full of criminals. This one night sets off a chain of events neither of them expected.

Faced with the threat of being exposed, Beckett is left with only one choice. He takes Ella captive, keeping her in a secret room until he can complete his mission. In Ella, Beckett finds an opponent unlike any he’s met before – she’s smart, resourceful, and worst of all, innocent. The untouched woman locked away in his penthouse is the greatest temptation he has ever faced.

A tense rivalry between the two grows into something so much more than either could have imagined. When Beckett gives in and shows Ella how dark he can be, can she succeed and show him the light?

And here are some teasers to entice you with.

Book Info:

Genre:  Contemporary, New Adult, Romantic Suspense

Release Date:  March 13, 2018

Pre-order Purchase Link:

Universal Amazon link:  https://bookgoodies.com/a/B07B3WN26F

Wow! So steamy. ♥♥♥ This looks like an intriguing read!😉

Thank you for telling us about your book, Jenny! I know we all can’t wait to read this dark romance! 🙂

 

Readers, don’t forget to pre-order a copy of this riveting tale!

 Author Bio

I’m a contemporary romance writer who creates complex characters, exciting plot twists, true love and steamy scenes that keep readers up and night wanting to turn the page. When I’m not writing I’m playing with my toddler son, going on dates with my husband, petting my cat or I’m in a dimly lit lounge sipping wine while I daydream about my next story idea. I have a background in creative writing and have had short stories published in multiple literary magazines.

Author Links

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

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/jennylynnwriter

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Lynn/e/B0716YVDK3/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16866317.Jenny_Lynn

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

Newsletter:  https://tinyletter.com/booksbyjennylynn

 

Thanks again, Jenny! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

Happy reading, everyone!🙂

Special Film Feature: Twisted Threads

Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. Here is a great new book trailer for author Kaylin McFarren. Please help me in welcoming a trailer release to this romance blog! Twisted Threads, a steamy romantic thriller, released in November. How exciting!

That’s awesome! Congrats on your latest release! 😉

LA-based studio, Film 14, and BestThrillers.com are giving us a look at their romantic thriller trailer, Twisted Threads, today.

Intriguing cover!

This is the info on Twisted Threads:

Akira Hamada is driven by past failure. Two years earlier, she had a chance to kill her greatest enemy–Kaito Mitsui. Instead, the Yakuza boss forced her to become an assassin in his employ. Now Akira carries out the bloody business of the notorious crime syndicate and hates herself more each day.

When Mitsui hears that his sister’s murderer will be on the cruise ship Starfish, he immediately tasks Akira with eliminating the man once and for all. This is what Akira has trained for, but a series of strange events on the ship tests her resolve and shows her a way to redemption.

Devon Lyons, on the other hand, has nothing to do with assassins. He’s merely accompanying his aunt and uncle, Sara and Paul Lyons, on a free cruise. Little does he know that the two are the true targets of the charming Japanese tourist he has just met!

Akira knows that either Sara or Paul is the killer but doesn’t know which one. She hopes seducing the handsome Devon will lead to better intel, but she is surprised to find herself trusting him. And soon, the pair finds themselves fighting for their lives on the high seas.

*2017 NYC Big Book Award Winner, Thriller Category; First Place in the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program, Romance Category; First Place in the 2018 Bestsellers World Award for Best Romance

Check out the book trailer here!

Twisted Threads | Official Book Trailer from FILM 14 on Vimeo.

 

This looks like a compelling, sexy ride for ILRB readers.

Thank you for telling us about your new trailer! It looks great! 🙂

What are people saying about this book?

“Twisted Threads is a titillating page-turner that captivates from start to finish, and never fails to stimulate the senses.” — Brittney Decker, Foreword Reviews/Clarion Review

“Kaylin McFarren has written a novel with a mix of intrigue, romance and action, resulting in a story for readers wanting adventure and love all in one exhilarating book.” — Ella Vincent, Pacific Book Review

“Twisted Threads is exactly that. Filled with twists and turns that will keep you tapping those pages to see what happens next. And oh boy, you will not be disappointed.” — Gabrielle Sally, The Romance Reviews

“Erotic and suspenseful, the reader is totally involved in the twisted threads that make this novel such an engaging read.” –Susan Roberts, Romantic Times Book Reviews

“Twisted Threads has a stimulating, complex mystery plot with a nice action-filled finale. Well worth your time to read.” — Rachel Smith, Entrada Publishing

“A tantalizing glimpse into a secret world of desire. Dive deep into the layers of this intoxicating blend of twisted pleasure and intricate mystery. Edgy, fierce, and undeniably stimulating.” — Alicia Tomelloso, San Francisco Book Review

“Readers will want to follow this book all the way to the end and should have no problem doing so after being gripped by its memorable characters and suspenseful storytelling. Whether you’re new to this series or just getting started, this book will leave an impression and keep the audience guessing all the way until Akira’s final showdown.” — Michael Radon, US Review of Books

“Twisted Threads delivers a story full of suspense, lively, complex characters, and a sexy, fun-filled adventure. Followers of McFarren’s Threads series will be thrilled, and readers of this divertingly different, first-class murder mystery will be too.”– Angela Fox, Publisher, Clackamas Review/Oregon City News

“Steamy scenes and constant surprises, right up to the thrilling conclusion.” — Blue Ink Review

“Twisted Threads grabs the reader’s attention from the very beginning, thanks to the many ‘twists’ McFarren expertly weaves into the narrative. An exotic mix of mystery, murder, and romance, Twisted Threads is sure to please a wide audience of readers, either as a standalone or as part of the series.” — Self-Publishing Review

“A sexy mystery that brings the timeless themes of murder, revenge and family loyalty to the high seas. A great series for fans of romantic suspense.” — BestThrillers.com

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link:  https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0783PSMR1

B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twisted-threads-kaylin-mcfarren/1127440198?ean=9781975921354

BAM:  http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Twisted-Threads/Kaylin-McFarren/9781975921354?id=7157917489570

IndieBound:  https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781975921354

Readers, don’t forget to check this book out at available booksellers, or add it to your Goodreads bookshelf. You’re sure to be thrilled!

 

Author Bio

Linda Yoshida, aka Kaylin McFarren, is a rare bird indeed. Not a migratory sort, she prefers to hug the West Coast and keep family within visiting range. Although she has virtually been around the world, she was born in California, relocated with her family to Washington, and nested with her husband in Oregon. In addition to playing an active role in his business endeavors, she has been involved in all aspects of their three daughters’ lives – taxi duties, cheerleading coaching, script rehearsals, and relationship counseling, to name but a few. Now she enjoys spending undisciplined time with her two young grandsons and hopes to have many more.

Although Kaylin wasn’t born with a pen in hand like so many of her talented fellow authors, she has been actively involved in both business and personal writing projects for many years. As the director of a fine art gallery, she assisted in furthering the careers of numerous visual artists who under her guidance gained recognition through promotional opportunities and in national publications. Eager to spread her own creative wings, she has since steered her energy toward writing novels. As a result, she has earned more than forty national literary awards and was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest.

Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, including her own non-profit—the Soulful Giving Foundation, benefiting cancer research, care, and treatment at hospitals in Oregon.

Author Links

Website:  http://kaylinmcfarren.com/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/4kaylin

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Kaylin-McFarren/e/B003BCPKE0

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3184417.Kaylin_McFarren

AuthorsDen:  http://www.authorsden.com/kaylinmcfarren

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/105542786576038416070

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/4kaylinmcfarren/

Publisher:  http://creativeedgepublishing.com/home

 

Director Bio

Film 14 is an LA-based film studio. We produce cinematic book trailers, author’s videos, short films, and more.

Links

Website:  http://film-14.com/

Writer/Director’s Filmography:  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0039192/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/film14trailers

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/film14tweets

LinkedIn:  http://bit.ly/2sFBkoi

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/Red14Films

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/film.14/

 

Thanks again, Kaylin and Film 14! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime, perhaps with your next release. 

Happy viewing and reading, everyone!🙂

63 FREE Romance Books!!

Hi, readers! I wanted to pop in here today to let you know about a very cool, mega giveaway going on over at the Writing in the Modern Age blog this week. Among other genres, 63 romance novels are available.All you have to do to enter the contest is comment on the thread with all your genre preferences as well as a contact email, and you’ll have 164 chances to win books! Awesome, right?

Here is a list of some of the books offered. They’re in no particular order, but I’ve included the subgenres so you know how varied the giveaway is.

Sports Romance

Paranormal Thriller with Romantic Elements

 

Mystery Romance with Horror

Multicultural Romance

Historical Romance

Paranormal Romance

Science Fiction Romance

Erotic Romance

Romantic Comedy

Holiday Romance

Romantic Suspense

Contemporary Romance

Romantic Thriller

 

Western Romance

 

LGBT Romance

Time Travel Romance

YA Romance

Inspirational Romance

Fantasy Romance

This contest is exciting! There are swag prizes too! 🙂 If you’d like to participate, please jump on Writing in the Modern Age to put in your entry (you can also email me directly at marieannlavender@gmail.com with the subject heading ‘Early Autumn Giveaway entry’, in case you’re a little shy about including your personal info).

The giveaway will run until Friday at midnight EST, but winners won’t be chosen until the weekend.

http://marielavender.blogspot.com/2017/09/400th-anniversary-post-early-autumn-mega-book-giveaway.html

So, why not go for it? These are FREE books! You won’t be sorry! 😉

As always, happy reading, everyone! 😀

Radio Interview!

For our lovers of paranormal romance, you’ve gotta check this out…

Later today, I’ll be chatting with awesome author team and radio hosts of the Haunted Nights Live! show, Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross. This radio show is quite popular, and the Thorne & Cross team has seen some very famous authors on there. Check out the list of past guests here.

Check us out at 8PM EST to get some sneak peeks of two books I have coming out later this year, a futuristic paranormal romance/urban fantasy, Blood Instincts, book two of the Blood at First Sight Series, and Awakening, a paranormal romantic thriller collection.

Plus, for those who have a fascination with the supernatural, we’ll be talking about that too. 😉

So stop by tonight! You can call in with questions or sit back and listen in. I’m not sure if the interview will be posted right away on the site, but you should be able to hear it as it airs.

Here is the official link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsontheairradio2/2017/04/07/marie-lavender-joins-thorne-cross-haunted-nights-live

Follow the Haunted Nights Live! duo on their Facebook page here, or check out their Twitter handle and blog.

As always, thanks so much for being great readers on the I Love Romance Blog! ♥♥♥

Happy reading, and have a wonderful day! 🙂

New Release Feature: Desert Deception by author Susanne Matthews

I am pleased to announce a great book release by Susanne Matthews, an author I met during my journey! Her western romantic suspense, Desert Deception, officially released this month! Yay! That’s awesome, Susanne! Congrats on your new release!

When a new book comes out, it’s always an exciting time for an author!

Susanne is giving us a look at her new, suspenseful romance with a Western angle, Desert Deception, today.

Great cover!

This is the blurb for Desert Deception:

Seeing is believing, or is it?

When high-powered Santa Fe attorney Casey Stevens reluctantly returns to Fortune for Gold Rush Days, she is drawn to Cole Walker Junior, but he is no longer the shy, quiet boy she recalls. Then again, Cole isn’t the only one who has changed. The town may be celebrating its past, but someone is trying to destroy its future. A hit and run accident leaves Fortune’s only lawyer in a coma, forcing Casey to choose between helping innocent people and running away once more. Can she face the demons of her past or will they destroy her this time?

Cole Warner has a secret identity, one he’s determined to protect at all costs. The police officer, volunteer firefighter, and part-time store owner, is also popular western novelist, CJ Coleson, who uses Fortune and its people as the inspiration for his books. Having Casey walk into his life turns it upside down. When someone starts using the murders in Cole’s books to stage a killing spree of their own, keeping his secret may be too costly, but admitting the truth could ruin any chance they have for a happily ever after.

As the bodies pile up and the buildings burn down, Casey and Cole have to work together to stop a madman with gold fever before more people die. The answer lies on Superstition Mountain or is it all a desert deception?

And here is an excerpt from Desert Deception to tease you with.

Casey stood on the sidewalk admiring her old hangout, letting the past claim her before pushing the brass handle to open the door. The antique bell tinkled, announcing her arrival just as it had years ago. Memories of the time spent in this place washed over her. The familiar aroma of coffee beans, exotic spices, candle wax, and old books surrounded her. Ceiling fans spun lazily—more for show than for cooling since the store was air conditioned. Eagerly, she stepped forward, anxious to see Mr. Walker again. They’d spent hours together going over maps and encyclopedias, examining the latest edition of National Geographic, discussing the wonderful places they would visit if they could.

While the front of the store looked just as it had with its mixture of real and reproduction Indian artifacts, crystals, polished petrified wood, and other memorabilia from the area, sadness filled her. No matter what he’d been doing, Mr. Walker had always come at the sound of the bell. Perhaps he didn’t own the store anymore. It was common practice for new owners to keep a business’s original name. Goodwill was a marketable commodity these days, and nowhere more so than in Fortune.

“Hello, is anyone here?” Her voice echoed in the emptiness of the shop.

A touch nervous—the insecurity of the past catching up with her—she moved through the archway into the addition that housed the bulk of the store’s retail items, passing by computer terminals and shelves heaped with books, candles, pottery, glassware, and native jewelry along with bags of fake gold dust and gold-plated nuggets. The walls boasted several decorative mirrors and watercolors of the mountains and the desert, as well as other wall hangings made of iron, wood, or some combination. She started when a man cleared his throat.

Looking in the direction of the sound, she was pleasantly surprised when a stranger stepped out from between two rows of shelves. The man was most definitely not the one she’d expected.

Tall, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, he wore jeans that hugged him in all the right places and a tight-fitting green T-shirt with Walker’s Emporium emblazoned in bright, yellow letters on his chest under the outline of Superstition Mountain. Clean shaven, with warm brown eyes peering at her from behind large black framed glasses, the arms of which disappeared into hair the color of rich, dark chocolate, a touch too long and yet, just right on him, he was quite possibly one of the most attractive men she’d seen in a long time. His bronzed complexion testified to his Spanish ancestry and time outdoors, and from the biceps revealed by his shirt sleeves, he was no ordinary shopkeeper. Her mouth watered.

This man, familiar and yet not, drew her as none had ever done. He could have been a conquistador, one who’d been left behind when Coronado had abandoned his search for Cibola, the fabled seven cities of gold, the blood of his ancestors thick in his veins. As he approached, the scent of his sandalwood cologne tantalized her.

“Can I help you?” he asked, stopping next to the cash register a few feet away from her, his whiskey-smooth voice caressing her as did his bold gaze.

She cleared her throat, her tongue darting out to lick her dry lips. Calling on the persona she used in court, she smiled. “I was looking for Mr. Walker. Is he around?” Her heart pounded loudly in her ears. Could he hear it?

“I’m Cole Walker, but you must mean my dad, Senior. I’m sorry, but he isn’t here right now. Is there something I can do for you?”

This god is Cole Walker Junior? her brain screamed, as raging hormones threatened to take over and destroy what little common sense she’d managed to find.

“I … I didn’t recognize you,” she said haltingly, wondering whose husky voice that was.

She’d always liked Cole, the quiet, smart guy who’d smiled at her once in a while—the boy who’d kept to himself, carried books around, and wanted to learn things the way she had. At one time, she’d fantasized an entire relationship with him, one that had ended with a “happily ever after.” Mesmerized, her gaze searched his puzzled face, eventually finding the teenager she remembered in the chiseled features of the man before her. Like her, Cole had undergone massive physical changes. Even taller than he’d been, gone was his acne and hundred-pound weakling scrawny frame. Instead, she stared at perfection.

“I’m sorry I missed him. Where is he?” Not that it was any of her business.

“My parents are visiting my sister in Florida,” he answered easily, that downhome country friendliness in his voice, but his eyes betrayed his curiosity. “They travel a lot these days.”

“That’s great.” Her brain functioned again, albeit slowly. “I’ll bet he’s having a wonderful time. He always wanted to travel. We used to talk about all the places in the world we would visit—”

“You know my father?” The confusion in his voice matched his furrowed brow.

“I do.” Casey smiled. “When I was growing up in Fortune, this place was like my second home.”

He stared at her, making her feel a trifle uncomfortable. When she removed her sunglasses, the shock of recognition was enough to make her laugh.

“I don’t believe it. Cassandra Stevens? That can’t be you.”

The look on his face was one of stunned approval. Surprised he remembered her name, even if it was the one she despised, associating it with the bullied girl she’d been, she nodded. “In the flesh, but people call me Casey now.”

“I heard you were coming home for Gold Rush Days. Your mother talks about you all the time. So, you’re a big-city attorney. I’m impressed.” He looked her up and down again, the appreciative gleam in his eye hard to miss. “You’re a hell of an improvement over Mr. Stone.”

Horace Stone had been practicing law in Fortune for as long as she could remember. In fact, he’d been the one to trigger her interest in the career she’d chosen.

“Thanks. I guess Mom still feels the need to feed the gossip mill.” Her voice was laced with sarcasm. Some things hadn’t changed.

“Did you want something? Or did you stop by just to see my father?”

“Actually, I did, but since I’m here, I might as well pick up a new novel to read while I’m home.”

His gaze raked her once more, and Casey fought to maintain her casual stance. She wasn’t the fat girl with thick glasses, who’d walked through her teen years with her nose in a book, praying no one would notice her and would leave her alone. The carrot hair she’d hated had darkened to copper, and while it was still unmanageable at times, she’d learned to tame it when she had to. Her leather outfit hugged her curves, and although she was beginning to feel uncomfortably warm, she wasn’t sure if the cause was her clothing or the man standing in front of her.

Needing to cool off, she slowly unzipped her jacket the rest of the way, revealing the skin-tight, low cut tank top beneath. His eyes followed the gaping zipper teeth as they opened, the gesture making her feel even warmer.

“I can help you with that.” His voice was husky, his eyes fixed on her cleavage.

“Help me with what?” Her voice was breathy and so unlike hers she barely recognized it.

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MTP5V85

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/6741113

Wow! This is getting sexy! ♥♥♥ It looks like a wild ride!😉

Thank you for telling us about your book, Susanne! I know I can’t wait to read this Western romance/suspense! 🙂

 

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this awesome book!

Author Bio

Amazon bestselling author Susanne Matthews was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. She is of French-Canadian descent. She’s always been an avid reader of all types of books, but with a penchant for happily ever after romances. A retired educator, Susanne spends her time writing and creating adventures for her readers. She loves the ins and outs of romance, and the complex journey it takes to get from the first word to the last period of a novel. As she writes, her characters take on a life of their own, and she shares their fears and agonies on the road to self-discovery and love.

Not content with one subgenre, Susanne writes romance that ranges from contemporary to sci-fi and everything in between. She is a PAN member of the Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, or traveling to interesting places she can use as settings in her future books. In summer she enjoys camping with her grandchildren and attending various outdoor concerts and fairs. In winter, she likes to cuddle by the fire and watch television.

Author Links

Website:  http://www.mhsusannematthews.ca/

Blog:  https://mhsusannematthews.wordpress.com/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jandsmatt

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Matthews/e/B00DJCKRP4/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7009276.Susanne_Matthews

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mhslm65/

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SusanneMatthews

https://plus.google.com/u/0/105287857840974937988

 

Thanks again, Susanne! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

Happy reading, everyone!🙂

Pre-order Release Feature: A Pawn for Malice by author Cynthia Roberts

I am pleased to announce a great new release by Cynthia Roberts, an author I met during my journey! Her thrilling romantic suspense, A Pawn for Malice, officially went up for pre-order and will be released on November 7th!

Yay! That’s awesome, Cynthia! Congrats on your new release!

When a new book comes out, it is always an exciting time for an author!

Cynthia is giving us a look at her new, intriguing romantic suspense, A Pawn for Malice, today.

Great cover!

This is the blurb for Pawn for Malice:

Does an ex-cop ever lose his “nose” for investigating? Freshmen Senator, Bryon Gallagher, certainly hasn’t, when the love of his life, Jessica, is kidnapped by a mad man. No stone is left unturned, as he plays the role of senator by day and rogue detective by night, calling in favors and working his past snitches to the bone to find her. The only problem is, who does he focus his efforts on … her deranged, former father-in-law who lusts after her, a crazed felon hell-bent on revenging the execution of his brother put to death under the Senator’s newly passed Death Penalty Bill, or an unknown psycho, looking for his “moment of fame”?

A Pawn for Malice is a thrilling, passionate, and suspenseful romance that entails self-discovery, survival and a love that is so strong, it conquers the evil trappings of a criminal mind.

Read the first two chapters of A Pawn for Malice on Cynthia’s website here. Subscribe to her email list and you’ll also automatically be registered to win one of (2) $25 Amazon Gift Cards.

How exciting!  🙂

Book Info:

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Suspense

Book Heat Level: R

Release Date:  November 7, 2016

Pre-order Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01LZUXZ1Q

B & N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-pawn-for-malice-cynthia-roberts/1124676776

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/666822

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-pawn-for-malice

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-pawn-for-malice/id1157620765?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D10

What an interesting story! ♥♥♥ This looks like a riveting ride!😉

Thank you for telling us about your book, Cynthia! I know I can’t wait to read this romantic suspense! 🙂

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this awesome book!

Author Bio

My love of reading romance fiction goes back to those early years when I was raising a young family. It wasn’t until much later in life I actually took up the pen to write my first historical romance, Wind Warrior. I really don’t fit into one specific niche.  Once a story starts to flow, it’s only then I know what genre/sub-genre it will fit under.

I have only one regret, and that is not getting to this point in my career much sooner, rather than later.  Life has a way of setting up road blocks, which for me, was supposed to work out that way.  Because of those detours, I have become a more passionate and expressive writer, allowing me to create the kind of raw human emotion I want my readership to feel.

It is my hope you walk away with not just an entertaining read, but the importance in knowing, “Without imagination & dreams, we lose the excitement of wonderful possibilities.”

Author Links

Website/Blog:  http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Cynthia.Roberts.Author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cynthiasromance

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EDT9E4M

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433035.Cynthia_Roberts

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/RomanceCynthia/

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/romauthorcroberts/

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/100112528079816795315/posts

 

Thanks again, Cynthia! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

Happy reading, everyone!🙂

Book Feature: The Good Thief by author Tanya W. Newman

I am pleased to announce a great book by Tanya W. Newman, an author I met during my journey! She’s stopping by to tell us about her awesome romantic suspense, The Good Thief, which released back in March!

Woo hoo! It’s always fun to discover new authors and books. 😀

Tanya is allowing us a look at her cool romantic suspense, The Good Thief, today.

Great cover!

This is the blurb for The Good Thief:

Two days before Christmas, shy bookstore owner Scotlyn Carter survived a traumatic bank robbery and subsequent kidnapping. Now, three months later, she still wakes up hearing the robber’s promise to find her—and kill her.
Then James McIntyre, the high school flame whose easy smile and mysterious eyes she could never forget, walks back into her life. As she falls for him once again, Scotlyn slowly begins to feel safe for the first time in a long time and thinks that maybe her nightmare will not come true, after all.
But James is not all that he seems. He is back in Scotlyn’s life for a reason and has been in contact with the very thieves who kidnapped her. And he’s harboring a dark secret that, if brought to light, could not only destroy their relationship—it could end their very lives.

And here is an excerpt to tease you with.

It was mid-April, and they had barely left one another’s side. Scotlyn smiled as she looked at the ceiling, enjoying a lazy Saturday morning in James’s bed. Ever since he’d come back to her that night, they’d been seeing each other four and five times a week, going to movies, for walks late at night, for runs in the morning, to Roman’s for dinner.

Their times together frequently lasted well into the night and they’d ended up staying over at one another’s houses on many occasions, eventually leaving things like toothbrushes, shampoo, and various articles of clothing. Scotlyn remembered waking up one morning and finding a T-shirt James had lost tucked into her sheets and smiling at the scent he’d left behind on it.

He hadn’t left her again, and still hadn’t revealed the reason he had before. They hadn’t talked about it or the robbery again. For some reason, all of that seemed to be getting farther away in Scotlyn’s mind, a feeling she really loved.

It was like they were focusing on just being together, happy. No expectations or conflicts. It was as if the past didn’t matter so much anymore. She hadn’t even had to see Dr. Brenner as much, who told her she was looking better with each session.

“I guess love agrees with me,” she’d admitted to him.

“Agrees with me,” she now said out loud.

“What?” James asked.

“Nothing,” she said, shaking her head.

“Where are you?” he asked.

He was lying on his back, too, right beside her, though she could’ve sworn he was farther away from the moment than she.

“Right here with you,” she said. “You?”

“I’m here,” he said.

“Could’ve fooled me,” she said, turning over to face him and tucking her arm underneath her head. He didn’t turn to face her, just stayed there with his hands laced behind his head, looking at the ceiling.

“Hey,” he said all of a sudden.

“Hey,” she said.

He bounced around in bed to face her, an excited expression on his face now. “Come away with me,” he said.

“Away?” Scotlyn repeated, raising her eyebrows. “Where?”

“Anywhere,” he said. “The beach, the mountains, California, or Montana—”

“Whoa!” Scotlyn said, sitting up.

“I’ve got money,” he said, sitting up with her and rubbing her back. “I’ll pay for everything.”

“It’s not that,” she said. “It’s just…I don’t know…”

“You took off before when you were only twenty-two,” he reminded her.

“Yeah, but that took months of planning.”

“Well, you were alone,” he said. “Now you have me.”

Scotlyn looked at him, smiled, and leaned over to kiss him.

“Yeah,” she said. “But…”

James waited, his hand still on her back.

“My dad,” she said. “The store…I don’t know if I can leave him.”

James sighed and rubbed her back some more. How she wanted to say yes, but didn’t know who she could get to help her.

“How is it you can take off like that?” she asked.

James shrugged. “Dad’s pretty well got everything under control at the garage, hired another guy to come in a few times a week. He could spare me.”

“Hmm,” Scotlyn said. She thought about asking Jane if she could help out. Her father knew Jane and trusted her with everything if he couldn’t come in. Jane could probably use the extra money, too. It would take some training, but maybe they could work it out.

“I don’t know,” she said. “Let me do some thinking. Can I let you know tonight?”

James leaned in and kissed her before settling back into the pillows and pulling her with him. “Sure.”

They stayed together like that until Scotlyn could feel her stomach starting to growl and she realized how long it had been since she’d eaten anything. Last night, they’d bypassed dinner altogether, opting instead to just come back to James’s house and to his bed.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey.”

“Would you do something for me?” she asked.

“Yup.”

“Would you cook breakfast for me? I’m starving.”

“I’m a terrible cook. Why don’t we just go out?”

“Because I’m way too comfortable,” she said, sitting up and winking at him. “I trust you.”

James laughed. “Well, I guess I can try.”

“Good,” she said, nestling back into the pillows. He leaned forward to kiss her once before getting out of bed and throwing on a T-shirt and jeans.

“I’m pretty sure you don’t need to get dressed to cook breakfast—”

“I don’t have anything I can cook,” he said, pulling on some shoes. He grabbed his keys off the dresser. “I’ll be back soon.”

“I’ll be here,” she said.

She heard him close the back door behind him and stared at the ceiling for a while, enjoying the moment until deciding to go ahead and make some coffee. She sat up and stretched a long moment before pulling on her jeans and top and walking lazily to the kitchen. She found a bag of coffee grounds in the refrigerator, filled the pot with water, and set it.

She was standing with her arms crossed when she heard the back door open again, a little more slowly this time. Knowing that James couldn’t have been to the store and back by now, she called, “You forget something?” without looking back.

A large arm grabbed her then and, before she could react, a cloth covered her mouth. She remembered breathing in to scream, but then she became instantly drowsier than she’d ever been. Her head fell onto a foreign shoulder and, before she could get scared, everything turned to black.

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01DQ20CD8

B & N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-good-thief-tanya-w-newman/1123600145

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/6174635

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/625904

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-good-thief-13

Books-A-Million:  http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Good-Thief/Tanya-W-Newman/9781626944428

Wow! ♥♥♥ This looks like a riveting tale!

Thank you for telling us about your book, Tanya! I know I can’t wait to read this romantic suspense!

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this awesome book! 🙂 Or you can add it to Goodreads! And by the looks of things we should see the sequel soon enough. 😉

Author Bio

Tanya W. Newman was born and raised in Laurens, South Carolina, where she discovered her love of a good story, and where she decided to try to write a book of her own at the age of ten. When she was finished, the story was a whopping thirty pages, but nonetheless cemented her love of writing and storytelling, a love that led to a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of South Carolina Upstate, and a Master of Arts in English from Clemson University and continued through her work as a college instructor and Library Specialist.

Now married to her wonderful husband, Mark, for eleven years, Newman still resides in the upstate of South Carolina, where she sets many of her stories. The Good Thief and her upcoming novel, Winter Rain, are both set in a town she based on Laurens.  In addition to writing and reading, she enjoys coffee, movies (usually an action/adventure with a love story added in), reruns of The Golden Girls, going for long walks, and spending time with her adorable son and daughter.

She is currently working on a sequel to The Good Thief.

Author Links

Website/Blog:  http://newmant720.wixsite.com/mysite

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authortanyanewman/info

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Tanya-W.-Newman/e/B01E1LG26E/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15142559.Tanya_W_Newman

 

Thanks again, Tanya! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

Happy reading, everyone!🙂

New Release Feature: Kidnapped in Love 2: Backfire by author Jamela

I am pleased to announce a great book release by Jamela, an author I met during my journey! Her romantic mystery/suspense, Kidnapped in Love 2: Backfire, officially released at the end of September! Yay! That’s awesome, Jamela! Congrats on your new release!

When a new book comes out, it is always an exciting time for an author!

Jamela is giving us a look at her new intriguing, mysterious romantic suspense, Kidnapped in Love 2: Backfire, today.

Nice cover!

This is the blurb for Kidnapped in Love 2: Backfire, the sequel to Kidnapped in Love:

Trisha has dealt with the death of her husband and being kidnapped by a man she thought was her friend. Her life is good, now. She and her children are happy after losing James. She can finally breathe again. She is not afraid of anyone hurting her and all of her problems have been solved. She is a successful business owner and she is living her dream life. No more being guarded.

So, she lets the wall she built fall down and falls in love with the man of her dreams. It was unforeseen, to say the least. Derrick is a young handsome driven man who has known Trisha for several years. He knows what he wants and will not stop until he gets it. Trisha is the goal. She is living a fairytale life. She has it all; great family, career, money and everything a family oriented woman could possibly want. Life is better than good; it’s great!

But, things are not always what they seem. Trisha will do anything to protect the children she loves and the life she has built. Who wouldn’t? But she has skeletons in her closet which threaten the happiness of her world and entire family. Will she end up paying for past sins, real or imagined? Will her children suffer? Or will Trisha come out on top, again?

And here is an excerpt to tease you with.

As Trisha starts the car, Derrick reads the emails on his phone. He tells Trisha where they are going and she squeals with delight as she drives. “Trisha, I saw the doctor this morning.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you had an appointment. What is wrong, is your back still bothering you?”

“No, my back is fine as long as I take the pain medication. I went to a specialist. He is the doctor that treats patients with Alport Syndrome,” Derrick confesses.

Trisha is shocked at this news and pulls over into a parking lot. “Derrick, what are you talking about? Did you go to find a doctor for Sidney?”

“No, I did not go to find a doctor for Sidney. I went to my doctor. I have Alport Syndrome, Trisha. I’ve been seeing the same specialist for a while.”

“Wait, you mean you have the same illness Sidney has?! Why didn’t you tell me, Derrick?” Trisha says, squirming in her seat.

“Because I did not want to scare you away. I am so in love with you and I have been for a long time, even before I said anything to you. I didn’t want to see this reaction from you because I do not want to lose you, Trisha. My intentions were good. I’m sorry,” he says and lowers his head.

“Derrick. You know how much I love you. I have completely changed my life because you mean the world to me. But, we had a conversation the other day about secrets. What do you think this is? How could you keep this from me? I mean, chances are it would not have mattered, the same way it doesn’t matter right now.”

“Okay, if it doesn’t matter, then why are you so upset?”

“Derrick, I’m upset because you did not have enough faith in me to realize that I would still be by your side. I’m just disappointed.” Trisha bursts into tears.

Immediately, Derrick reaches over to comfort her. After all, that has been his job for a few years now and it is a hard habit to break. He thinks about the situation and tries to look at it from Trisha’s point of view. He realizes that she has a good point. He could and should have come clean earlier.

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01M1ITTFB

B & N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kidnapped-in-love-2-jamela-thomas/1124697902

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/6596263 

Books-A-Million:  http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Kidnapped-Love/Jamela-Thomas/9781539085423

What an interesting story! ♥♥♥ This looks like an riveting ride!😉

Thank you for telling us about your book, Jamela! I know I can’t wait to read this romantic mystery suspense series! 🙂

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this awesome book!

Author Bio

Jamela-Ms. J has been writing for 35+ years. She currently resides in the Atlanta, Georgia Metro with her musician/videographer husband. She reads almost anything and writes mainly fiction. She dabbles in poetry, prose and other non-fiction works. She has been published in regional magazines and newsletters. She is currently working on another collection of short stories. She has several collections of short stories, which include And I Trusted You, What Is This World Coming To? and The Run Trilogy.

Jamela-Ms. J also has a few standalone short stories and flash fiction pieces; Quickie, Cruel Intentions, Your Love, Family Gathering, Mr. & Mrs. Santiago and Unknown Factor. The Run Trilogy is a compilation of three short stories (Hit and Run, You Better Run and Who’s Running Now).  A novella, Kidnapped in Love was released in January 2014 and a 2nd edition was released in 2015. She enjoys reading, singing and obviously, writing. Jamela-Ms. J believes everything good will take hard work and is worth having, especially if it benefits others.

Author Links

Website/Blog:  http://info74085.wix.com/jamela

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamela/568449613189000

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Asoral2

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EDT9E4M

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9727897-lj-jamela

 

Thanks again, Jamela! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

Happy reading, everyone!🙂

New Release Feature: Starlight’s Curse by author K.C. Sprayberry

I am pleased to announce a cool book release by K.C. Sprayberry, an author I met during my journey! Her romantic suspense, Starlight’s Curse, officially released today, April 26th! Yay! That’s awesome, K.C.!

When a new book comes out, it is always an exciting time for an author!

K.C. is giving us a fun look at her new contemporary suspense novel, Starlight’s Cursre, today.

Nice cover! As the author, can you tell us a little about your book?

Author K.C. Sprayberry:  The South is full of mansions of the former glory, some restored to how they were back then, and others left to rot over time. Those homes are the ones that fascinate me, drive me to wonder what stories their walls could tell. Starlight’s Curse was born of a local home that was once beautiful but even more than a million dollars in renovations couldn’t restore it to its former glory. Seeing that place, one can’t help but get a creepy feeling… and that was the beginning of Starlight.

Marie: Ooh! Love a story centered around a creepy house. 😉

My assistant is telling me your characters just arrived. How exciting! It was lovely talking to you, K.C. Pardon us for a moment while we learn a bit more about your awesome new release…

We have Jayme Barclay on the stage. Hello, Jayme! It’s such a pleasure to meet you!

Character Jayme Barclay: Hello! It’s nice to be here.

Marie:  Introduce yourself to our readers. Where do you fit into the story? And what should we know about you?

Jayme: My name is Jayme Barclay. I grew up in Landry. Went away to college but came back after only a semester. My baby, Tawni, was all I cared about once she was born. Not that some of the old women around here thought the same. They were always giving me trouble about being an “unwed mother.” Everyone wanted to know who Tawni’s daddy was, but I couldn’t let those women destroy his life, like they tried to do to me. No one was going to make me hide away in shame… until that night.

Marie:  Okay. What are your feelings about this story, Starlight’s Curse?

Jayme: We have to tell this story. Everyone has to know, so they realize it’s never all right to accept what you know is wrong as the truth. And to fight for what you believe in. At first, after I lost my baby, I just wanted to crawl into a hole somewhere and join her. But then I found a reason to live, a reason to tell her daddy what I took from him, and a reason to fight back.

Marie: I can respect that. How do you feel about being a character in this book?

Jayme:  People won’t see me at my best, but the time frame of this story was possibly the worst moment of my life. So, I like being a character in this book. Everyone will think I’m a fool at the beginning, for running away and hiding, but I come back and I’m ready to fight to do what’s right. That’s all that counts.

Marie: What do you see in your future? No spoilers please!

Jayme:  I love my future. And if you want to know why, you’re going to have to read the whole book.

Marie: Great!

Is there a sequel to Starlight’s Curse in the future? Will you be part of it?

Jayme:  Oh, I can’t spoil the ending, but honestly… I’m not sure.

Marie: Say a movie producer comes knocking. What actress would you want to play you and why?

Jayme:  Poppy Montgomery. She not only looks exactly like me, but her role in Unforgettable is the same kind of person I am.

Marie: All right. Thank you for stopping by, Jayme! (Waves goodbye to her guest.)

Now we have Brad Patterson on the stage. Hello, Brad! 😀

Character Brad Patterson:  Hi. Thanks for having me here.

Marie: My pleasure. So, if you can, take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Brad:  Brad Patterson here. Jock in high school, graduated Purdue with a Criminology degree, and came back home. Boy, was I knocked over with a feather when I saw the girl I’ve always loved had a kid. And there was no daddy around. That didn’t matter to me. Tawni and me? We got along great. She was always like my kid. You should have seen her fishing when she wasn’t but six. Sat for hours until a catfish grabbed her bait. And her mama, what can I say? I’ve loved Jayme since we were both in high school. One day, I’m gonna marry Jayme.

Marie: (Sighs.) Lovely to hear! I love romance…;)

So, what are your feelings about this story, Brad?

Brad: I got knocked in the gut by a bunch of stuff that happened in this story. Nobody, and I do mean nobody, should ever go through what Jayme endured. That evil, wicked stepmother of hers deserves whatever happens to her. Nobody hurts my Jayme and gets away with it.

Marie: Okay. How do you feel about being a character in this book?

Brad: Wouldn’t be a book without me. (Laughs.) Well, I guess it could, but I certainly wouldn’t want to let Jayme handle a situation like she faced alone. Although, (cough, cough) I still want pictures of that one move she made. Lots of pictures.

Marie: (Chuckles.) What do you see in your future? No spoilers please!

Brad:  Oh, my future is definitely looking up. Jayme and I… ah, that’ll spoil the ending. Guess you’ll have to figure out where Jayme and I go by reading the book.

Marie: Definitely! 🙂

Is there a sequel to Starlight’s Curse in the future? Will you be part of it?

Brad:  I’d like to say I hope not, but I’m a cop. There’ll always be jerks in this world trying to make people hurt just because they can. Sure hope there really isn’t another one like what we went through. That just plain hurt.

Marie: Say a movie producer comes knocking. What actor would you want to play you and why?

Brad:  A movie? You mean someone would actually want to make a movie about our story? Well… I think Eddie Cibrian would do a fine job portraying me. Kind of looks like me too.

Marie: (Giggles.) Uh, yeah, you are so right there. Sounds like a plan! 😉

Well, Brad, it was a pleasure meeting you! I think one of your co-stars is coming up shortly.

Brad:  Thanks for letting me visit! (Waves and heads off the stage.)

Marie: (Returns the wave.) Of course. (Clears her throat.) So, readers, we also have Jake Haskins, pardon me, I mean…Sheriff ‘Big Jake’ Haskins on the stage!

Wow! I don’t think we’ve had a sheriff before! A pleasure to meet you! (Shakes his hand.)

Character Sheriff Big Jake Haskins:  Hello. The pleasure is mine, ma’am.

Marie: Please introduce yourself to our readers. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Big Jake:  You want to know about me? I’m just a country sheriff, who grew up on the mountain. Like a lot of mountain folk, I didn’t have an easy life. Big Jake Haskins is my name. And I treat everyone fair, until they break the law. You see, I’m not at all like the typical Southern sheriff. That’s because I made a vow when I was just thirteen, and I aim to keep it the rest of my life.

Marie: All right. What are your feelings about this story?

Big Jake:  Sorry story, if you ask me. If the sheriffs who’d been in charge when I was a kid had been honest, it wouldn’t have happened. But they were as corrupt as they come, so it was up to me to fix things. Took me forty years to figure everything out, but I’m not someone who gives up easy.

Marie: So, how do you feel about being a character in this book?

Big Jake: Pretty good tale, if you ask me. Kind of glad I got to be in it. As I said, I grew up hard, didn’t ever have much. Thanks to a pretty good bunch of people who believed in me, I’m going places. Might not be too happy about that now, but things will change. They sure will…

Marie: What do you see in your future? No spoilers please!

Big Jake: Oh, a lot of things. Definitely changes. Can’t say much about that, though. It would give away too much.

Marie: I respect that.

Is there a sequel to Starlight’s Curse in the future? Will you be part of it?

Big Jake: (Leans back in comfortable studio chair, shakes head slowly.) Now, I’m a realist. Had to be, after what I saw and experienced as a kid. I’d sure like to say there’s no chance of all that happening again. But I know people, and some are pure evil.

Marie: All right.

Say a movie producer comes knocking. What actor would you want to play you and why?

Big Jake: A movie. (Snorts.) Who’d want to make a movie. (Nods head.) Yeah, I can see there being a movie. It’s got all the elements of a good story. Who would I want to play me? Why, that David Boreanaz fellow. You know, that guy who’s in Bones.

Marie: (Grins.) I Love Bones! 

Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Sheriff. (Shakes his hand once more.)

Big Jake: Thanks for the invite. You have a nice day, ma’am. (Heads off the stage.)

Marie: (Looks a little starstruck.) It’s uncanny, right? He really does look like David Boreanaz. I hope my palms weren’t sweaty. Good Lord, his hands were huge! (Laughs a little.)

Well, there you have it, readers. After meeting the author and the characters, let’s learn more about this fascinating book.

Here is the blurb for Starlight’s Curse.

The discovery of three teenage girls found hanging from an ancient elm tree, alleged suicides, on the grounds of abandoned Starlight Mansion by a teenage boy sets him on a mission to find the truth. Nearly forty years later, now the sheriff, Big Jake finds himself drawn into the investigation of a mysterious “suicide” and the disappearance of another teenager.

Jayme Barclay sees her fifteen-year-old daughter swinging on a rope from a tree at the mansion the county commissioner is turning into a resort. Brad Patterson loses a piece of himself when he answers the 911 call to get to Starlight on a snowy December night.

A year later, the mystery surrounding Tawni’s alleged suicide still haunts both Jayme and Brad. Big Jake has been shackled in this investigation, much like another sheriff so many years ago.

Reluctant teens hold back information, until Jayme returns to the hometown she abandoned, to find the truth. Brad hates that he had to intrude on her grief, but also believes this is his chance to redeem himself for not protecting the daughter of the woman he loves. Big Jake suspects who the killer is and that the person isn’t done yet, but must stand back and allow a younger man to stand up against a powerful and corrupt group of politicians.

Here is an excerpt.

Sleet and snow whipped around Starlight Mansion. A young teen, a mere thirteen-years-old, scampered in and around the tree stumps, scooted around boulders filling a former field where corn had once grown tall, and laughed as the winter storm pelted his face and bare hands. Jake Haskins had no problem with the bitter cold. Not one bit. Even the legends surrounding the long abandoned, decrepit mansion didn’t bother him.

Being the normally curious boy that he was, Jake crept up on the rear of the fabled house and tiptoed onto the back porch. Planks creaked under his boots, held together with duct tape around the toes. There’d been hints he’d get a new pair tomorrow, if he was good. He figured being good meant staying away from Mama until she cooled off after their earlier confrontation. Of course, she might not cool off much, since their words had been those of an exasperated woman putting up with half a dozen young children and a surly teen stuck in a house that was too small at best. Getting angry with his life had never been something Jake did, but he was fed up with being called a poor pig farmer whose daddy couldn’t rub two nickels together.

His dreams were big. Huge, some might say. No one up here on the mountain, with the exception of the Gleasons, had anything but a hard life. They worked from sunup to sundown, Monday through Saturday only to have to start again in the new week. Children went without more often than not, and parents bewailed their lot in life, all the while teaching the next generation to continue the same problematic lifestyle, dropping out of school and taking low paying jobs at the local factories and mills.

But not Jake. He’d decided long ago that he’d one day be the county sheriff. He’d be a most excellent lawman, never once lying, or falsely accusing a family of doing wrong because they were dirt poor. Heck, he figured he’d seen enough up here to put the current sheriff, Jameson Emerson Waldon II in prison, if anyone outside Wallis County would believe Jake when he reported the mystifying comings and goings at Starlight Mansion. It was purely wrong for all those men to creep about inside that falling down building for hours on end. And the screams from what sounded like women hurt his ears and his heart. Jake had tried more than once to get the goods on the people Sheriff Waldon brought up here, but had been caught and threatened with the Mountain Home for Unrepentant Boys on more than a few occasions.

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01ERRNFWQ

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/6232743

Ooh! ♥♥♥

This looks like an interesting romantic suspense!

Thank you for telling us about your book, K.C.! It sounds like a riveting tale! 

Author Bio

 

Born and raised in Southern California’s Los Angeles basin, K.C. Sprayberry spent years traveling the United States and Europe while in the Air Force before settling in northwest Georgia. A new empty nester with her husband of more than twenty years, she spends her days figuring out new ways to torment her characters and coming up with innovative tales from the South and beyond.

She’s a multi-genre author who comes up with ideas from the strangest sources. Some of her short stories have appeared in anthologies, others in magazines.

Author Links

Website:  www.kcsprayberry.com

Blog:  http://outofcontrolcharacters.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/KC-Sprayberry/331150236901202

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kcsowriter

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005DI1YOU

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KcSprayberry/posts

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5011219.K_C_Sprayberry

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/kcsprayberry/boards/

Manic Readers:  http://www.manicreaders.com/KCSprayberry/

AUTHORSdb:  http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/5230-k-c-sprayberry

 

K.C.’s Books:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks again, K.C., for showing us your new release and letting your characters come to the studio!  ♥

Happy reading, everyone! And we hope to see you back on ILRB sometime, K.C.