Journey in Time by Chris Karlsen - Review tour and Giveaway

(A Full length, historical / time travel romance)  

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a digital copy of her thriller, "Golden Chariot" to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a $50 Amazon gift card to another randomly drawn commenter during the tour., so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of his tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win an awesome prize!



TRAPPED IN TIME

London attorney, Shakira Constantine, finally agrees to spend the day with her handsome client, Alex Lancaster. While riding in the countryside, the couple finds themselves caught in a time warp and transported back to the 14th century, and an England preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is the Baron Guy Guiscard...a baron who died in the upcoming battle.

If they can’t discover a way to return to the 21st century, Alex will have to sail with the army to certain death. Shakira will be left alone to survive in the alien and terrifying medieval world.



I thought that this would be just another time travel story. Wow, was I ever wrong. Yes, they did travel back in time, but it was more than that.  First, I want to say that it took me a little bit to get involved with the story, so if you find yourself in the same spot -- stick with it!  It's so worth it!

When Alex, a music producer, meets Shakira, an attorney and a weekend guitar player in a rock band, the sparks fly. He is unable to put her out of his mind, and finally is able to convince her to spend the weekend at his cottage in Gloucestershire.

Their first day is spent relaxing and enjoying the countryside, but the second day is the beginning of their travel back into time. As they are riding, they suddenly find themselves back in the 14th century. They are immediately met by a group of knights who apparently know Alex as Sir Guy Guiscard.

This is where the story really began to grab my attention. Things were not as simple as just being drawn back into time.  The plot is much more complicated than most time travel stories I've read. I had to stop occasionally just to catch my breath and really think about what I was reading. Alex handles the situation well, but Shakira has a difficult time trying to adjust.

I don’t want to spoil the story for you, but I want you to know that I was absolutely in love with this book. I found that once I really got into it, I could not put the book down. I had to know how Alex was going to handle the upcoming battle. I wanted to know what Shakira was thinking when she believed that she was going to be left to handle this situation by herself. Their love story becomes of major importance also. It is very sweet, sexy and romantic.

There are so many twists and turns in this story as they try to find a way to return to the 21st century. I just had to know how this was going to be resolved. I could not even imagine how it was going to end. Every conclusion I came up with was wrong.

I picked this up to read a few pages before I went to bed and couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. This is really one of the best stories I have read in a long time. I give Journey in Time a definite 5.

5 / 5 Flowers - I really loved it!

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.

Links: http://www.chriskarlsen.com/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/chriskarlsenwriter
http://pinterest.com/chriskarlsen/

The Cerberus Rebellion by Joshua K. Johnson - Virtual tour and giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Joshua K. Johnson to the blog on his tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for his gunpowder fantasy novel, "The Cerberus Rebellion".  We reviewed this book, and liked it very much. See our review here.

Joshua will be awarding .mobi copies of his short stories (details available at www.gunpowderfantasy.com/products) to one commenter at every stop. Grand Prize for one random commentor: The Chesian Wars collection (all published 3 short stories and an additional prelude short story exclusive to the collection), so comment today AND follow his tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of his tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win prize!

Joshua let me pump him for information, so let's turn the floor over to him (and don't forget to answer his question at the end)!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write in my particular brand of fantasy (epic fantasy with a twist; I call it “Gunpowder Fantasy”) because it's such a blank canvas. I'm able to build my worlds, populate them with plants, animals and people to my liking and take the story where I want it to go. I also write Sci-Fi for a similar reason, the ability to create my own worlds with my own technologies and creations.

What research and world-building is required?

For The Cerberus Rebellion, I had to do research and a lot of world-building. The Griffins & Gunpowder universe is set on a world that is part-Medieval and part 19th Century America. I researched 19th century weapons technology, tactics, attire and even social conventions to make the series more authentic.

My world building was extensive. Dozens of nations, half a dozen distinct races, unique flora and fauna. I built religions, national histories and designed the complex political interactions between the various nations.

Name one thing you learned from your hero.

I learned that where you intend for something to go, or how you intend for a character to be, isn't always how things turn out. Sometimes you have to send your character down the hard road for their own good and the good of the story.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I'm actually pretty straightforward in my writing habits. Though I will say that I tend to have better luck writing when I've had a cup of coffee, or bourbon, depending on the time of day.

Plotter or pantser?

85% Plotter/15% Pantser. I write extremely extensive outlines and detailed chapter-by-chapter summaries. But I provide my characters and the story room to breath, allowing them to change the flow of the story or the plot as necessary.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My wireless mouse and a pillow.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I'm working on Book 2 in the Ansgari Rebellion Series, The Hydra Offensive, and I'm getting some short stories and novellas set in the Griffins & Gunpowder universe sketched out.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Which would you consider a greater factor in giving a book that first look: cover art or title?

One hundred years of peace and prosperity. War changes everything.

On the world of Zaria, Elves, magic and mythical beasts coexist beside rifles and railroads. The futures of two nations hang in the balance as rebels and revolutionaries trade gunfire with loyalists and tyrants.

Eadric Garrard was raised to believe that as the rightful King of Ansgar, his loyal nobles and fearful subjects answered to his every whim, no matter the cost or consequence. His decision to send his troops thousands of miles away will test that fear, and loyalty.

Raedan Clyve was ordinary until an Elven ritual involving a griffin’s heart turned him into something more. Twenty years later, he still struggles with the magics that rage through his body. His mentor holds him back from his full potential and he faces pressure to find a suitable wife and father an heir.

Hadrian Clyve has picked up where his father left off and works to expand his family’s influence amongst the Ansgari nobility. His aggressive negotiation of alliances and shrewd choice of marriage agreements has earned him respect, and resentment. When his King calls his troops to arms, Hadrian has other things in mind.

After a century of scheming and decades of preparation, Magnus Jarmann is ready to bring his family’s plans to fruition by launching a war of independence that will free his people and return his country to its rightful place among the nations of Zaria. The King’s call to arms creates an opportunity that Magnus cannot afford to miss.

In a war, little is held back; in a revolution, nothing is safe.

The crackle of musket fire drifted up from the trenches; only a few quick shots at first, but quickly followed by full volleys. Flashes of light marked the battle in the trenches and Raedan listened carefully for the command to push his troops forward. He glanced behind him quickly.

The color guard stood resolute, the banners of Arndell and the North Griffin Cliffs at the front of the formation. A half-company of infantry had been assigned to protect the flags should they come under attack.

Wounded began to drift back out of the trenches. Some retreated under their own power; others were carried between two of their fellows. Raedan tried to count the men fleeing the battle, but quickly lost count.

Finally, the trumpets sounded again, ordering him forward.

“How's it look in there?” he asked a retreating officer. The man wore the gaudy orange of Sea Watch and the stripes of a captain. He had taken a round through his shoulder and was supporting a corporal that had taken a shot to the leg.

“The artillery did a job on them,” the captain said. “But they've still got some fight left.”

“All right, men! Let's take it to them!” Raedan started toward the trenches at the double time and his men started to trot after him.

The earthworks twisted and zagged one way and another, slowly leading the infantry closer to the fortress that loomed large above. The sun had finally set and flares were exploding high overhead.

Joshua Johnson is the author of "Gunpowder Fantasy" The Cerberus Rebellion (due to release in early July) and the creator of the Griffins & Gunpowder universe. When he isn't working or spending time with his family, he writes novels, short stories and novellas.

He currently lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and young son.

Website: www.gunpowderfantasy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authorjkjohnson

The Soul Within by Nancy Adams - Virtual tour and giveaway

Today we're spotlighting author Nancy Adams on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the erotic paranormal romance, "The Soul Within".  She's also provided an exclusive excerpt, so take a look below.

The author is giving away a $20 Amazon or Total-e-Bound GC to someone during her tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Alex’s body is in a coma. His soul, however, is not. Desperate to become whole, he must first convince stubborn beauty Evening Sinclair that he is not dead.

For generations, the Sinclairs have been healers. Using a gentle touch to heal the body and a soothing word to heal the soul, Evening Sinclair is no different. Yet despite her secret abilities, Eve has a somewhat normal existence. She enjoys her small physiotherapy practice, dotes on her eight-year-old daughter and occasionally helps souls get back into their bodies-that is until Alex, with his brooding good looks and glowing eyes, appears in her kitchen.

Alex is desperate to get back into his body-two innocent lives depend on it. His only obstacle is Eve and her stubborn fear. Unfortunately for Eve, Alex is ruthless and just as stubborn. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He will not 'go away' and no matter how much Eve tortures him with her lush body and perfect mouth, he will not change his mind. Eve will merge him, and if it takes him haunting her day and night, she will merge him back with a body-any body.

Standing at the end of the hospital bed, Alex watched as the nurse switched the empty IV bag for a full one.

“What the f**k is a median?”

“From what I understand,” The little blonde leaned her hip into the rail at the end of the bed, while Alex went to stand next to the nurse and watched as she punched commands into the intravenous pump. “It’s a soul that has become separated from its living body.”

“Say again.” He ordered. He kept watch on the nurse, waited for the smallest of signs that the woman knew she wasn’t alone in the room.

“That’s your body.” He could see the petite blonde point to his body lying on the bed out the corner of his eye. “And you,”—she waved her hand up and down the length of him—“are the soul. Together you are whole. But because you are in a coma, your soul has separated from your body.”

He pulled his eyes from the nurse and focused on the blonde who had appeared at his side an hour before. “I’m separate from my body!” He blinked…once. “Do you know how crazy that sounds?”

“It’s very crazy. But it’s also true, because here you are,”—she pointed to his body in the bed—“and there you lay.”

“How long have I been like this?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged her slender shoulders. “Read your chart.”

As he searched the page for his admission date, he noticed the nurse shiver and goose bumps appear on her arms.

Nancy’s addiction for a good trash novel began in her late-teens when her grandmother gave her a bag of Harlequin Romance books. She was hooked and spent the next few years lurking in the dark corners of used bookstores searching for her next fix. Until, one marriage and two kids later, her own ideas had her jumping up at 3 am (much to her husband’s annoyance) and typing them into her laptop. Beside her husband and children, Nancy has three passions, rearranging furniture, buying bed linens and, of course, writing. Nancy lives in Eastern Ontario with her family and two over sized lap dogs.

Email address: Fancy-nancy@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/NancyAdams.scribblingseduction 

Rafael: The Santiago Brothers Book One by K. Victoria Chase - Book tour and giveaway

Today we're spotlighting author K. Victoria Chase on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the inspirational romantic suspense, "Rafael: The Santiago Brothers Book One".

The author is giving away a 10 Amazon GC to someone during her tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

The last time Detective Genie Green let a man humiliate her was her college sweetheart—never again. Yet, when former high school lothario Rafael Santiago returns to town as the consulting detective on her case, Genie’s rule of never allowing another man to best her is challenged. Can she trust him long enough to solve this case and get the glory?

Rafa can’t seem to outrun his delinquent past. When The Snakes, a criminal organization he used to belong to, begin murdering people from his hometown, he has a chance to right some of his past wrongs. Will arresting the murderers be enough to redeem him, or will a certain beautiful detective pay the ultimate price instead?

A Christian interracial romantic suspense.

Winters’ gaze tightened on Rafa. Genie’s throat went dry. He wouldn’t blame Rafa for what happened, would he? Would Lieutenant Winters ship him back to California?

“Look Santiago, I appreciate you coming all this way, from California and all, but Detective Green is one of my best. I can’t have her getting killed over chasing down a possible witness.”

“Sir!” Genie tried to interject but was ignored.

“Lieutenant Winters,” he began, “we both agree Detective Green is invaluable to your department. Believe me, I don’t want to see her dead either,” he ended sarcastically.

“Can you two please stop talking about me as if I’m not in the room? For the record, I’m fine, just a little beat down, that’s all.” She appreciated the fuss but the paternal implications unsettled her. She was an officer just like the two of them, and just as capable at performing her job. She was strongest when she didn’t have to depend on men.

“Santiago, take her home as soon as the doctor discharges her. I just finished briefing Agent Compton, who was asleep if you can believe it.” He snorted his disapproval. Winters pointed in her direction. “I want you to rest, and then tomorrow start fresh. New leads on this Diego guy and I want to see your FBI liaison out of his office and hitting the streets with the two of you. Understand?” He didn’t wait for their response.

When they were alone Rafa gave her a sheepish grin. “I think that went well.”

Genie laughed then clutched her chest.

“Are you alright?” Rafa’s hands were on her upper arms and she was drawn to his eyes.

The pain subsided and she forced a grin. “I’m okay. It hurts to laugh. The doctors said I might have some bruised ribs, but it shouldn’t be too serious.” She tried to stand, but his hands held her in place. “Rafael?”

“Maybe you should just rest a little while longer. Delay your discharge.”

“Actually, the doctor said I was free to go before you showed up.”

“What if you tell him your chest hurts?”

Genie smiled at his scheming. “I’m fine really, and I want to sleep in my own bed tonight.” She pushed his hands away, but he planted them firmly on the bed on either side of her. Genie sucked in air when his face stopped inches from her. She stilled and nothing drew her notice but his face, his nearness.

“Eugenia, for once, just slow down. You don’t have to do everything alone. Let me help you.” His voice was soft but demanding. His eyes spoke of concern for her, and she marveled. Could she let someone else help? Let someone else in? Jeff broke her heart, and the bitterness she had still had a stranglehold on her life. And she was choking. All her energy went into proving her own worth, her own merit. The man before her didn’t doubt her abilities, didn’t ask her to sacrifice everything, he just wanted to help. To be her partner. She could count on him.

As the heat of their bodies joined, she inhaled his sweet, minty breath. Then, as if willed by something beyond her control, her eyes drifted to his lips. What could she do? Full, pleasantly curved, they were there––staring at her like forbidden fruit…just ripe. She knew if she could just have one taste, it would change her life forever, and satisfy a childhood daydream. It had been too long since she had been kissed. A kiss from a man of integrity, of worth. Genie relinquished her control to the magnetic pull and went willingly.

Her eyes closed.

From childhood, bestselling author K. Victoria Chase enjoyed writing stories and plays and reading Christian romance. She received degrees in Criminal Justice and Diplomacy and worked as a federal law enforcement officer for several years before deciding to try her hand at writing a complete novel. Serial Games (Virginia Justice Book One) is the third completed work and the first published by Desert Breeze Publishing. Book two of the series, Marked by the Mob, will be released in November 2012. She has recently signed with Astraea Press for the first in her Santiago Brothers series, the Amazon bestselling Rafael. Until she can make writing a full-time venture, K. Victoria Chase continues to work in the field of counterterrorism, identifying potential terrorists that threaten the United States and the world. She currently resides in Leesburg, VA and writes both clean and Christian interracial romance.

Website: http://www.kvictoriachase.com
Blog: http://www.kvictoriachase.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KVictoriaChase
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-Victoria-Chase-Author/221185567951125
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5762404.K_Victoria_Chase

Romancing Olive by Holly Bush - Review tour and giveaway

(Full Length, Early American Romance)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of his tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a fun prize!



1891 . . . Spinster librarian, Olive Wilkins, is shocked to learn of her brother’s violent death at a saloon gaming table. Compelled to rescue and raise his children, Olive travels to Ohio, intending to return to her Philadelphia home with her niece and nephew. Little does she know that the children have come to love their caretaker, widower Jacob Butler. Will Olive return home without them or learn to love Jacob as well?



I wasn’t certain that I would like this story when it began, but within a couple of lines, I was hooked. It was in 1890 and I was really curious to see what would happen to this prim, proper and straitlaced thirty-something spinster calming walking into a sheriff’s office in a small farming town in Ohio.

Having been informed that her niece and nephew had been orphaned, she had come to find them and return to Philadelphia with them. The sheriff offered to take her to where they were staying and she climbed into his wagon and left for an adventure of a lifetime.

Things were not what she was used to, and it all came as a shock to her. However, she was determined to manage somehow. Being unable to take the children back right away, and being accustomed to having a maid and cook, it was fun watching as she attempted to adapt to the workload on a farm.

She was a strong willed and determined woman, and began to learn the ins and outs of this rough life. I really enjoyed reading about how she managed the house, the children, and of course the handsome young rancher.

This really isn’t a typical romance. It has a lot more to it than that. I was fascinated watching the people change, not just her, but the children, the rancher, and the people she encountered.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a really good story about the early west. I liked it very much.

4.5/5 Flowers - It was a very good book!

 

Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years and recently worked as the sales and marketing director in the hospitality/tourism industry and is credited with building traffic to capacity for a local farm tour, bringing guests from twenty-two states, booked two years out. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, and vice-president of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Links:
www.hollybushbooks.com
Twitter - @hollybushbooks
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435

Maybe Too Good to Be True by Christy McKee - Virtual tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Christy McKee to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her contemporary romance novel, "Maybe Too Good to Be True".

Christy will be awarding a digital copy of Maybe Too Good To Be True to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop and a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win prize!

Christy was daring enough to share a few things about herself we might not guess, so let's turn the floor over to her!

Three things you would never guess about me.

1.  First of all, I am not a fisher woman.

I’m a take a boat ride or a cruise type person. Several times I’ve gone snorkeling and that was fine, but I’ve never been a fan of messing around with hooks and bait. Many years ago, we were in Florida visiting with friends in Ft. Lauderdale. Howard, our host and the owner of the boat, was taking us out to lunch at a dockside restaurant. On the way home, he told us he still had live bait in the well from the day before and wanted to know if we would like to fish. Since the others seemed inclined, I wasn’t going to be a spoilsport. About ten minutes later, not too far from Port Everglades—where the cruise ships dock— I accidentally hooked a big tarpon. Just my luck he had to take a snap at my line. It took me over two hours to get him next to the boat. My arms were about to give out, so my dad hoisted it into the boat. My hands were blistered; they were frozen and I couldn’t hold anything, but I managed a “wave” to all the people in boats bobbing around us who’d been watching and cheering me along. Back at the house, Howard took my photo with the big guy and cut the line, which I didn’t even realize at the time. A month later I received an official looking certificate in the mail—along with the test line and hook— stating that my tarpon was the largest fish to be caught on a ten pound test line. Today, the tarpon is mounted in our rec room along with some of my husband’s trophies. When he tells guys that his wife caught it, they look at me with respect. I don’t have the heart to tell them it was all a fluke. After all, I came along for lunch—catching the fish was sort of an accident.

2.  Even though I do not write historicals, I do have a few people of historical note in my family tree.

I am a relative of Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, and her daughter, Elizabeth I. Naturally, I am not a descendant of either, but related to both.

How are we related? It began with Sir Geoffrey Boleyn (1406- 1463?), Lord Mayor of London, who purchased Hever Castle in Kent. Sir Geoffrey’s son, Sir William Boleyn was the father of Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire. Thomas was the father of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England and the maternal grandfather of Queen Elizabeth I. Both Sir Thomas and his daughter Anne—in her early childhood— lived at Hever castle which still stands today in the village of Hever in Kent. I am a direct descendant of Sir Geoffrey Boleyn and several generations later, our family joined the Cromwells through the marriage of Elizabeth (Boleyn) Bromley to Sir Oliver Cromwell of Hinchingbrook—not the infamous Lord Protector of England—but he is a relative.

Through Edith Cromwell’s (1660-1694) marriage in 1679 to Christopher Gist I (1650 to 1690) in Maryland, we would have two more interesting family members. Christopher Gist was a surveyor and scout for the Ohio Company and a good friend of George Washington. I have a book filled with letters between the two men. My last relative of note is William Henry Gist, the 68th governor of South Carolina. He was governor when his state seceded from the Union. His home, Rose Hill Plantation in Union County, South Carolina still stands and is open to the public.

3.  Big animals, horses, dogs, and elephants don’t scare me one bit, but spiders, centipedes, and chameleons scare me to death.

I can never muster up the courage to kill one of them. If I see a bug at night, I either put a glass or bowl on top of it and leave my husband a note on the mirror in the bathroom. That system works pretty well for me. If he’s out of town for a few days he might come home to having a half dozen pieces of china or glassware scattered around the house. One night while he was gone when I went into the bedroom to go to turn in I saw a giant centipede on the wall. No way could I fall asleep knowing that hairy legged creature was in my room. So I ran to get the vacuum, hoping he would stay in the same spot. Fortunately, he was still there staring at me when I returned. I pulled out the long extension, turned on the power and chased him all over that wall, but I finally got him. Weak with relief, I climbed in bed but couldn’t fall asleep. What if he had friends and they were out looking for him?

Gabrielle March is summoned to an oceanfront estate in Massachusetts by the matriarch of Atlantic-Hastings International where she is presented with a hefty block of shares as amends for a crime committed against her family. The stock—worth several million dollars—can give her the means to make her dream come true if only she can muster the courage to break free from her past and believe in her unique creative talent.

Pierce Hastings, son of Gabrielle’s benefactress, grudgingly agrees to take her under his wing and acclimate her to Atlantic-Hastings. Never one to mix business with pleasure, Pierce stuns himself when he ignores his own self imposed rule. Gabrielle’s complete lack of artifice, unvarnished honesty and quirky sense of humor are intoxicating to him―and he’s rapidly becoming addicted. He’s blindsided when Gabrielle confesses that, in spite of her growing feelings for him, she will never fit into his world of power and privilege and has no desire to try.

Pierce answered him with a glare. What the hell was wrong with him? What difference did it make what she thought of him? Until a few weeks ago, he had never heard of Gabrielle March. So why had she suddenly become so important to him?

"I think our Gabrielle has gotten to you little brother. What a pleasant change it is for you to be the one cooling your heels."

The crunch of gravel drew their attention to the driveway. When Elizabeth’s blue Mercedes came around the curve, Pierce abruptly turned his back to the driveway and leaned against the porch railing.

James snorted with laughter. "Wouldn't want the lady to know she'd been missed would we." He sauntered down the steps to greet Gabrielle.

"Did you have a nice afternoon?" James opened her car door.

Pierce swiveled to face them but remained on the porch, propped against a sturdy post, his strong arms folded across his chest. "You missed some excellent water skiing this afternoon, Peaches."

Gabrielle came even with him on the porch. "Really? Why I'm surprised you need skis at all," she sniped. "I assumed someone like you walked on water."

My addiction to reading emerged when I was ten and down with measles. My mother, trying to keep me entertained, brought home a stack of Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew books. Within days, I’d consumed them all and asked for more. That’s when it truly began−the pleasure of reading which would eventually lead to my writing.

I can’t pin point precisely when I knew I was different from everyone else−at least from my tight group of hometown friends. Didn’t everyone have movies playing in their heads starring beautiful characters leading adventurous lives in exotic places? NO—they did not. Did that mean they were normal and I was the odd, slightly wacky duck? My answer to that conundrum came when I attended my first writer’s conference in Savannah. Nervous about being on my own at the crowded event, a kindly writer from Texas took me under her wing and introduced me to at least a dozen writers. Surrounded by so many writers who were so like me, I fit right in. I wasn’t an “odd” duck after all; I’d simply been in the wrong pond!

As a result of that conference, my desire and conviction to write blossomed. Still working a full time job at a Louisiana cancer center, I carved out time to write every night and on weekends. My first manuscript went through four incarnations, and a year under the bed, before success came knocking.

Today my family and our two Labs—Lambeau, the Green Bay Packers unofficial mascot and Gracie, who is just plain, sweet Amazing Grace—live in a picturesque little town in Ohio wrapped around a lovely town square with an intricately carved gazebo where weekly band concerts take place all summer long.

http://www.christymckee.com
http://christymckeewriter.blogspot
http://twitter.com/ChristyMcKee

Stella And Dane: A Honky Tonk Romance by Deanna Roy - Virtual Review Tour and Giveaway

(Full Length Romance)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of his tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a fun prize!



Stella is one step from leaving her honky tonk town when bad-boy Dane roars through Main Street on his prized Harley-Davidson. Their dangerous romance keeps the locals talking, but when Dane is sent to prison for manslaughter after a bar fight, the couple discovers their love runs deeper than their reputations.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but it had "honky tonk" in the title, and I'm a sucker for country.  I didn't realize it was set in the recent past (1980's) but it was fun to revisit the decade of my youth. The author had the time down pat and I completely enjoyed the walk down memory lane.

 Right up front I have to say that this was not an easy read.  Both the hero and heroine are less than truly likeable to begin with, and the story itself is filled with so much emotion and angst that I was wrung out by the end.  The author has a fantastic voice, though, and some serious writing chops so even though this wasn't my usual reading fare, I wasn't even tempted to put it down at any point.

Stella isn't a nice girl by any means.  She feels a bit spoiled (though, really she isn't) and she doesn't really think twice about going after a guy who's already with someone else.  To be fair, Dane certainly doesn't flinch at cheating either and without this love triangle, the story wouldn't have happened.  They're incredibly far from "hero" material, but thankfully during the many years this book spans, they do some growing up, learning and changing.

I loved the town -- a typical small town where everyone is in everyone's business.  It was filled with well-drawn, colorful characters (I truly loved Stella's boss and her perfume store) and even a place that was a character in itself (the water tower).  The descriptions of people and places was lush and full without being overbearing and intrusive. The author has just the right touch with her words and I was so impressed by her skill.

If you're into emotionally charged stories full of growth and happy-ever-after love by an author who seriously knows what she's doing, I can highly recommend Stella & Dane: A Honky Tonk Romance.  While it may not have been the kind of book I usually enjoy (I prefer a good laugh to a good cry), and while I probably won't read it again (I'm still exhausted from my first trip through), it's a really good story with a great ending.

4.5 / 5 Flowers -- a Really Good Book!

Deanna is the author of Baby Dust and Stella & Dane, interrelated books on the hardships we sometimes face while searching for that ideal love and looking to build a family.

Her articles and short stories have been published in many magazines including The Writer magazine, The First Line, and publications by SCBWI and the Writers' League of Texas. Her best work has been collected into a short story collection Single Edged Blades.

She lives in Austin, Texas, with her two daughters and new husband. They were married 6.9.12!

Twitter: @deannaroy
Facebook: http://facebook.com/deannaroy
Web site: www.deannaroy.com

The Cerberus Rebellion by Joshua K. Johnson - Virtual Review Tour and Giveaway

(Full length Gunpowder Fantasy)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding .mobi copies of his short stories (details available at www.gunpowderfantasy.com/products ) to one commenter at every stop. Grand Prize for one random commentor and host with the most comments: The Chesian Wars collection (all published 3 short stories and an additional prelude short story exclusive to the collection), so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of his tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a fun prize!


One hundred years of peace and prosperity. War changes everything.

On the world of Zaria, Elves, magic and mythical beasts coexist beside rifles and railroads. The futures of two nations hang in the balance as rebels and revolutionaries trade gunfire with loyalists and tyrants.

Eadric Garrard was raised to believe that as the rightful King of Ansgar, his loyal nobles and fearful subjects answered to his every whim, no matter the cost or consequence. His decision to send his troops thousands of miles away will test that fear, and loyalty.

Raedan Clyve was ordinary until an Elven ritual involving a griffin’s heart turned him into something more. Twenty years later, he still struggles with the magics that rage through his body. His mentor holds him back from his full potential and he faces pressure to find a suitable wife and father an heir.

Hadrian Clyve has picked up where his father left off and works to expand his family’s influence amongst the Ansgari nobility. His aggressive negotiation of alliances and shrewd choice of marriage agreements has earned him respect, and resentment. When his King calls his troops to arms, Hadrian has other things in mind.

After a century of scheming and decades of preparation, Magnus Jarmann is ready to bring his family’s plans to fruition by launching a war of independence that will free his people and return his country to its rightful place among the nations of Zaria. The King’s call to arms creates an opportunity that Magnus cannot afford to miss.

In a war, little is held back; in a revolution, nothing is safe.


In this complex book, we go to war.

I've never read what the author describes as "gunpowder" fantasy.  The mix of guns and other technology with true fantasy items like elves was a strange thing to get used to.  It wasn't bad, just different, and every now and then something would make me jolt and I'd be out of the story for a moment (like when the king tucked a newspaper under his arm ... it made me feel as though I was in modernish times and not in another world).

Kudos to the author for remarkably complex and complete world-building.  I do wish a map had been included with the book, perhaps at the front for reference, as this is a very diverse place and the author is quite definite about setting.  I imagine him writing in a room with maps and pictures of each character with incredibly lengthy character information (perhaps pages and pages on each person).  It really is amazing how much he clearly knows about everyone in this book -- and there are many, many characters which populate it.

This is not an easy read, but it's an interesting one.  Much of the time, in the beginning, I wasn't sure who to root for.  Should I sympathize with the king? With the rebels?  As time and pages passed, my allegiance became firmly entrenched with one side, but I could understand the feelings of the other.

 While I enjoyed this book immensely, and thought the story was quite good, there were some things that slowed down the reading.  The book suffers a bit from narrator intrusion -- we get lengthy descriptions of fairly unimportant things (clothing, room decoration, etc) and much is told, not shown.  Instead of "showing" us a person's tattoo, we're told he has one and what it's of.  Instead of learning a character's personality through ongoing observance, we're given paragraphs of information up front.  It was a bit frustrating, and I had to fight skipping entire paragraphs when this happened.

Still, as mentioned, the plot line was intriguing.  It's very complex, and I was fascinated by the way so many things were interwoven.  The author must have carefully planned this book, because I can't imagine something this involved just happened by chance.

If you enjoy books with amazing world-building, if you like to read about the ins and outs of war on many fronts, if you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of technology you're going to love this book.  One thing of note, however:  it's clearly the beginning of a series.  Don't read this expecting all the loose ends to be tied. 

4/5 Flowers -- This was a very good book!

Joshua Johnson is the author of "Gunpowder Fantasy" The Cerberus Rebellion (due to release in early July) and the creator of the Griffins & Gunpowder universe. When he isn't working or spending time with his family, he writes novels, short stories and novellas.

He currently lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and young son.

Website: www.gunpowderfantasy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authorjkjohnson

The Undead Space Initiative by Casey Wyatt - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're welcoming author Casey Wyatt to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her paranormal, futuristic romance novel, "The Undead Space Initiative".

Casey is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and an e-copy of Mystic Ink to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win prize!

Casey answered all my prying questions, so let's turn the floor over to her!

Why do you write in your genre?

I write paranormal romance and I’m attempting to write a true urban fantasy novel. So far, every UF I start ends up with a lot of romance. Maybe I can invent a new genre!

What draws you to it?

I’ve always loved supernatural, science fiction and fantasy stories. I love that anything is possible (within the confines of that world). I read Ann Rice’s Interview with a Vampire when I was eleven and The Lord of the Rings when I was thirteen, so I’ve always loved those genres. I guess it’s not surprising that I write stories with magic or otherworldly creatures.

What research (or world-building) is required?

In most of my stories, I blend supernatural elements with real world settings. Mystic Ink takes place in a very real place – Mystic, CT. Only in my world, the main characters are demigods, goddess, and other mythological beings. Lucky for me I live in Connecticut so it was easy to research the location. When I wrote The Undead Space Initiative, I had a bit of a challenge. The bulk of the story takes place on Mars. Kind of hard to visit. But, I read this great book called Packing for Mars by Mary Roach. I also spent a lot of time on NASA’s site, Google Mars, and I used a lifetime’s worth of personal study about space to make the story authentic. And then I added a different twist to my romance, I transported my heroine – a vampire stripper named Cherry Cordial – to Mars. It seemed logical to me that the undead would make great colonists. They don’t need to breathe, eat or attend to other bodily functions since they are already dead.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

I learn fascinating things from them all the time. From Cherry, I learned that you’re never too old to learn something new or change your life.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I don’t really have any rituals or anything. I pretty much sit down and write, just like I sit down to do my day job. I work from home for my employer so my commute consists of changing rooms and computers. One thing I do know about myself is that sometimes, my brain just says, “enough”. I have to give it a break once in a while or it rebels.

Plotter or pantser?

Plotter with pantser tendencies. I used to pants all my earlier books (I didn’t know that was what I was doing at the time) and I never could finish a book. I actually wrote on and off for almost ten years before I figured it out (thank you Kelley Armstrong’s NanoWrimo tips). I used Kelley tips to re-plot a novel I could never finish and it worked! The book was done in 6 weeks. Now I plan first, then write. I only plot the major points and let my imagination determine how the characters are going to solve their problems.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

One of my cats. An end table stacked with books, my iPod, my Gameboy, my latest knitting project, a Wii-mote, a sewing box, a bunch of TV remotes, and a lamp.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

My most recent novel, The Undead Space Initiative just came out in July. I have finished another book called Misfortune Cookie (which I hope to start submitting soon). I’m also working on the sequel to Mystic Ink, called Mystic Storm. And I have another WIP called Redemption.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What is your favorite love story of all time? And why?

Cherry Cordial, vampire stripper extraordinaire, spectacularly messes up her life with a single act of kindness. How could she have known when she rescued gorgeous rogue Ian McDevitt that she would be implicated in the vampire queen’s murder? Soon, she faces the wrath of the entire vampire community. To escape retribution, she joins a settlement program to colonize Mars. Her choices are grim: hurtle through space to the red planet to face the unknown and possible death, or stay on Earth and face certain annihilation. To make things even more complicated, a certain gorgeous rogue seems to be shadowing her every move...

Life sucks, then you die. It’s a universal truth. But here’s what’s scarier. Even in death, life can still suck.

Case in point … wait for it….

“Cherry! Get your skinny ass up on stage!” Jonathan barked through my dressing room door. How do I describe him? Pain in my rump? Benefactor? Reason for my current situation? None of them seem adequate. His main occupation? Yelling at me to perform and to make him money. And he’s always interrupting. Never lets a girl have even a moment to think.

“I’m on my way. Geez Louise.” I flung open the door, narrowly missing Jonathan’s long Roman nose. The tops of his fangs peeked out from his full lips as he smiled at me. This was a game we liked to play. I would try to smack him with the door whenever possible.

Okay, it was a game I liked to play. I’ve never managed to nail him in the face. My vampire sire is too damned fast.

Jonathan tsked and crooked his finger. A slow smile curled his lips. “Cherry, I don’t know why I put up with you.”

“Of course you do. I’m your number one performer.” I flashed fang. My pearly whites are nowhere near as long as his, but they can still do the job. Due to feed soon, I tried not to stare at Jonathan’s jugular. I hated needing my sire’s blood to stay strong and avoid overpowering hunger. The kind, if left untended long enough, that made vamps go feral. I buried my nose in a bouquet of fragrant red roses, a gift from one of my many fans.

Jonathan smirked. Damn. I hated when he caught me eyeing him like a roast. Another game we liked to play – I pretended I didn’t need him. And he pretended not to notice. We both knew otherwise.

I needed him.

Crap on toast.

Casey Wyatt has no personal knowledge of the paranormal, but she hopes someday that may change. If there are ancient Gods, elves or satyrs living nearby, they’re more than welcome to visit. Bring pizza and chocolate please!

Her paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels have won or placed in numerous RWA contests. When not writing, Casey enjoys time with her family, loves to read, and enjoys knitting and crocheting.

She lives in a bustling Connecticut town with her husband, two sons and an assortment of pets (none of which are shape-shifters).

Website: www.caseywyatt.com
Blog: www.caseywyatt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casey.wyatt.37
Twitter: @CaseyWyatt1
Tumblr: http://caseywyatt.tumblr.com/  

Greco's Game by James Houston Turner - Virtual tour and giveaway!

Today we welcome James Houston Turner to the blog on his tour with Pump Up Your Book.  He's here to talk about his thriller, "Greco's Game".

Pump Up Your Book and James Houston Turner are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire and more!  See the Rafflecopter entry forms below.

FIVE THINGS YOU'D PROBABLY NEVER GUESS ABOUT FORMER IRON CURTAIN SMUGGLER AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE ALEKSANDR TALANOV THRILLER SERIES JAMES HOUSTON TURNER

(1) I think the best thrillers are built around a love story. What higher stakes are there than the threat of losing someone you love, or someone who loves you?

(2) I believe in happy endings because my life thus far has been one continual, long, happy ending. The reason is because I've stared death in the face more than once, although my sunny outlook hasn't come without cost. In 1991, I was diagnosed with cancer in my jaw, but having neither health insurance nor the $200k needed for an operation, was refused treatment in San Diego by a doctor who simply walked out of the room when he found out we had no insurance, leaving me alone in the examination chair. Being from Australia, my wife called "home" to see if help was available there. There was, and so with weeks to live, I flew with her to Adelaide, where for $17k, a team of surgeons opened my face up like a book and removed a tumor the size of an orange. They then made me a new jaw bone out of hip bone, grafted skin into my mouth where teeth used to be and stapled me back together. I was not expected to live 18 months. That was over 20 years ago. Later, when my writing career seemed to be going nowhere, I applied for a customer service job with a large company. I was refused, not because I lacked skills, but because I was too ugly, a reference to the facial scars I still carry from my cancer operation. And yet, sometimes the hard knocks of life are blessings in disguise, for if I had been hired, I may well not have persevered with my writing to become the published author I am today. So I have learned that adversity often produces untold blessings we cannot foresee.

(3) I love starting my day with a mug of great coffee. I get up before dawn, pad into the kitchen and grind those aromatic double-roasted Guatemalan beans while the water heats in our electric kettle. Then, while the coffee steeps in our French plunger, I heat the mugs with rest of the water, empty, then melt 1 Tb butter and 1 Tb coconut oil in the mug and fill with coffee before using a tiny blender to froth it to perfection. Nothing else is required. No sweetener. No milk. Nothing. I absolutely love this morning ritual.

(4) While Talanov's current drink of choice is a frosty shot of Chopin vodka, mine is the naked margarita. I call it the "naked margarita" not because you end up that way after drinking one, but because it is a straightforward, unadorned drink where you can actually taste the ingredients, unlike its flamboyant cousin, the frozen margarita, which contains masquerades of syrup and fruit. When it comes to the naked margarita, I rarely have more than one. The second one is never as good, anyway, and I'm not in it for the buzz, but the flavor. Here's how I make it: 50ml Don Julio tequila. 25ml Cointreau/triple sec. Juice of 1/2 lime. Ice. Oh, yeah.

(5) My favorite food to prepare for guests is the tamale pie. It's a double-crust pie with a "Picadillo" Mexican filling that combines meat with some sweet and some heat. It takes time to fix, which is why I like it, because I love cooking from scratch. Plus, something this "hands-on" is a welcome relief from the mental demands of writing eight hours a day, five days a week. Basically, it's minced lamb (my preference, although you can certainly use beef or pork), homemade frijoles (refried pinto beans), jalapenos, roasted almonds, chopped apple, sultanas/raisins, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, corn kernels and spices. Bake, then slice and serve as a main course topped with salsa (we make it fresh), avocado, and sour cream. What a medley of flavors that go extremely well with a nice salad and, yes, you guessed it: the naked margarita.

(6) As you can tell, counting was never my strong suit, but I had to leave you with this: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent" (Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States). Amen to that, Mr. President.

Colonel Aleksandr Talanov — the “ice man” — is married to a woman he wishes he could love. But he can’t, and it’s an ugly consequence of his training with the KGB. Even so, no one should have to experience what Talanov experiences: the brutal murder of his wife in front of his eyes.

Wracked with guilt and suspected of plotting her death, Talanov spirals downward on a path of self-destruction. He should have been killed, not her. He was the one whose violent past would not leave them alone. Months tick by and Talanov hits rock bottom on the mean streets of Los Angeles, where he meets a hooker named Larisa, who drugs and robs him.

But in the seedy world of prostitution and human trafficking ruled by the Russian mafia, this hooker made the big mistake of stealing the ice man’s wallet. In it was Talanov’s sole possession of value: his wedding photo. Talanov tracks Larisa down to get that photo because it reminds him of everything that should have been but never was, and never would be because an assassin’s bullet had mistakenly killed his wife. Or was it a mistake?

The answer lies in Greco’s Game, a chess match played in 1619 that is famous for its Queen sacrifice and checkmate in only eight moves. In an unusual alliance, Talanov and Larisa team up to begin unraveling the mystery of what Talanov’s old KGB chess instructor regarded as the most brilliant example of how to trap and kill an opponent. The question is: who was the target?

A native of Kansas, James turned to writing fiction as a result of his years as a smuggler behind the old Iron Curtain. He has been on a KGB watchlist, organized secret midnight meetings with informants, located hidden mountain bunkers, and investigated legends of forgotten tunnels buried beneath the cobblestones and bricks of some of Central Europe’s most venerated cathedrals. Department Thirteen, his debut thriller featuring former KGB informant, Colonel Aleksandr Talanov, was inspired by those experiences and went on to win the USA Book News “Best Thriller of 2011″ award, a gold medal in the 2012 Independent Publisher “IPPY” Book Awards (thriller/suspense), and a gold medal in the 2012 Indie Book Awards (action/adventure).

A former journalist in Los Angeles, James holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Baker University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Houston (Clear Lake). His 2011 “Too Ugly Tour” saw him drive 4500 miles across America promoting his books and speaking to thousands of students about not letting the hard knocks of life defeat you, which in his case included years of rejection, surviving cancer, and once being turned down for a customer service job because he was “too ugly” — a reference to the facial scars he still carries from his successful 1991 battle against cancer. He and his wife, Wendy, a former triathlon winner, live in Adelaide, South Australia.

You may visit him at www.jameshoustonturner.com

James loves hearing from readers and bloggers. To contact him directly, click here:  http://www.jameshoustonturner.com/contact.htm

Follow James on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jhoustonturner
Follow James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jameshoustonturner
To order a copy of Greco’s Game on Amazon, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Grecos-Game-ebook/dp/B008PFCRTY
To order a copy of Department Thirteen on Amazon, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Department-Thirteen-ebook/dp/B005QSSMYM/
To order a copy of The Identity Factor on Amazon, click here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Identity-Factor-ebook/dp/B004TO5JLI/
Follow Greco’s Game on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrecosGame
Follow Talanov on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleksandr.talanov

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Author Interview: Lillie Spencer!

Today I'd like to welcome author Lillie Spencer, here to talk about her contemporary romantic suspense, Manhunt. Thanks for stopping by, Lillie, and for answering all my prying questions!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I usually write paranormal romance. This is the first time I've written a romantic suspense. I was actually pondering a different story altogether when this one got stuck in my head and refused to leave until I wrote it. I had a lot of fun interweaving the romance and suspense elements.

What research was required?

I had to do a lot of research on the legal system and on medical conditions. I wanted this to be as accurate as possible. I was working on this story when I got called for jury duty and was so excited - first hand information! Of course, I didn't get chosen, so I just sat around the courtroom for days on my computer waiting to see if they wanted to interview me, but I still got a couple of good nuggets that made their way into the book.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Everyone has both good and bad in them, and sometimes you have to look past the hard candy coating to get to the ooey-gooey center.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Not really. I am a night owl, so most of my writing takes place at night after the family is asleep. I'll pour a glass of wine or make a pot of tea and write for a couple of hours. Plotter or pantser?

A total pantser. I use my keyboard like a Ouija board - put my fingers on it and wait to see what happens! Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My dog Buttercup, a gorgeous cockapoo named for the main character in The Princess Bride. She crawled under our car in the middle of a thunderstorm and crawled into our hearts at the same time. She's absolutely precious and is spoiled rotten.

To my left is my lovely daughter and a newborn kitten who has yet to be named that is one of two kittens we just adopted from the shelter where my daughter volunteers. Ironically, they were found in a thunderstorm, too. (The kittens, not my daughter lol).

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I'm working on two different stories right now. A paranormal romance about an immortal druid, and a companion story to MANHUNT about Michael and Nikki's best friend Christian. He was probably my favorite character to write, and seems to be a fan favorite as well.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What do you think we should name the kittens? There is a girl who is an orange cuddle-bug and a boy who is a gray and white ankle biter.

Sometimes you have to forget it all to remember what really matters.

Michael Brennan's life and career come to an abrupt halt when he receives a phone call telling him the love of his life, Nikki Wright, is in the hospital after another attack by her ex-boyfriend Sebastian Cross. Rushing back to Hershey, PA, Michael turns up at Nikki's hospital bedside covered in Sebastian's blood and tells her they have to leave immediately. Though her injuries have induced amnesia, Nikki inherently feels she can trust this man with her life. Soon, they find themselves on the run from both their own troubled pasts and authorities hunting for Sebastian's killer. With each new day and each touch drawing her further into Michael's embrace, Nikki remembers more about this fugitive she once loved, and who still loves her enough to risk everything to protect her and keep her safe. But can she love a man who just might be a murderer?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lillie likes to joke that she is a mother, author, and wife – usually in that order. Although she holds a degree in Wildlife Biology, writing has always been her passion. She was a teaching assistant for English Composition and English as a Second Language in college, and wrote countless stories in her free time before she was brave enough to submit one for publication. A preview of Manhunt was an editor’s choice recipient at textnovel.com in 2009, where it is still #10 on their “Most Popular” list, and was a semi-finalist in the Dorchester Next Best Celler (sic) contest. Lillie was also recently awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2011 RWA-Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight competition for her work-in-progress, The Circle, a paranormal romance. When not writing or freezing at soccer games, Lillie loves to cook and play video games with her family.

Follow her: Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Goodreads