by Angela Smith | Jun 10, 2017 | Books
Because I love to share books and especially help out my author friends, I’ve got Susanne Matthews with her newest book, Sworn to Protect. And now for a blurb and excerpt!
Book Blurb:
Four years ago, a car accident robbed Nancy Frost of her child and her mother, taking what was left of her marriage with it in the process. A forensic accountant, she agrees to look at a company’s books in a divorce case, trying to find hidden assets, but her meeting with the lawyer goes terribly wrong when the restaurant is attacked.
The moment US Marshal Neil Copeland discovers his wife has been shot in a Baltimore restaurant, he rushes to her side, determined not to let her down again. As the police investigate, evidence suggests the attack was a ploy to hide a specific hit. When a professional assassin tries to kill Nancy a second time, it’s clear that she was the target and whatever’s going on is a lot more complicated than they think.
When Nancy awakes after a month in an induced coma, not only does she not remember the attack on the restaurant, she doesn’t remember marrying Neil.
Faced with the challenge of protecting his wife from a powerful, faceless enemy, Neil must bring her up to date, dredging up all the sorrow that tore them apart in the first place, hoping something will jar her memory.
As he races against time, can he save her from an unknown assassin and convince her to give the love they once had a second chance?
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072MHFQJF
Excerpt:
Unable to squelch her curiosity, Nancy put down the tear-soaked quilt, stood, and walked over to the extension on the bedside table. The number wasn’t a familiar one. She took a deep breath before picking up the receiver.
“Hello?” she answered, her voice husky.
“Nancy Frost?”
“Yes.” She didn’t recognized the man’s voice and hoped she hadn’t picked up on a telemarketer. It wasn’t a 1-800 number, but … Normally, she hated being rude to anyone, even annoying strangers at the end of a phone line; however, in her current mood, this guy might be in for a tongue lashing.
“This is Larry Jackson. I was speaking with Meredith Stone earlier, and she said you’d agreed to look at some financial records for me.”
The man’s voice was pleasant, but he sounded tired, and his words carried an undercurrent of frustration and anxiety.
“I’ll do what I can, Mr. Jackson,” she answered, trying to sound like the confident professional she needed to be.
Meredith might think she was the best in her field, but every time Nancy looked at a new set of books, doubt assailed her. What if she missed something critical?
“If there’s anything there, I’ll do my best to find it, but, as I’m sure Meredith told you, sometimes everything’s on the level. Unless there’s a second set of records hiding somewhere—”
“I wouldn’t put it past this sleaze ball,” Larry interrupted. “I just got off the phone with his lawyer. B. J. Pratt informed me they’re moving the meeting date up to Tuesday. I’d hoped to be able to give you more time, but he’s backing us into a corner. I’m sorry about this. I’ve emailed you the records we were given. Let me know if there’s anything missing.”
“Not a problem. I’ve come up against B. J. Pratt before. He won’t be happy you’re bringing me in on this.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.” Larry paused. “When can you have a look at them?”
“Later today. I’ll call you tomorrow if there’s anything suspicious.”
He chuckled, but she could sense his concern. “That’s all I’ll need, and don’t worry about the time and cost. The husband’s footing the bill.”
Nancy started. “Her husband’s paying to have me go through his company books and personal finances, and Pratt agreed to this?”
“They agreed to an independent audit and recommended a few local forensic auditors,” Larry answered, “but if they suggested them, I didn’t want to use them. Meredith tells me you’re the best there is, and that’s all I need to know. Pratt doesn’t know it’s you yet. I’ll let him know in the morning—maybe it’ll throw off his golf game.”
“It probably will,” she answered and chuckled, imagining the sour look on Pratt’s face. “I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Goodbye.”
Nancy hung up the phone, went into the bathroom, and washed her face. Staring at the haunted woman in the mirror forced her to admit the truth. She had to stop grieving before it killed her.
“This pity party is over.”
She wasn’t Cinderella, and there wasn’t a fairy godmother waiting to make all the terrible things in her life go away. Prince Charming had left the ball, taking his glass loafers with him. It was time for her to pick up her rags and get on with it. She reached for her purse and car keys. The first step was always the most difficult. Go big or go home.
About the author:
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.
Her first novel, Fire Angel, set the tone for an exciting new career. While most of her books are romantic suspense, Susanne writes stories that range 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 or as interesting entries for her blog, Living the Dream. During the 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.
Follow Susanne on her: Website Facebook page Twitter @jandsmatt
Amazon author page and Goodreads author page
by Angela Smith | Apr 21, 2017 | Guests
Today I have the joy of interviewing the very lovely Lynn Crandall. Lynn Crandall started spinning stories as a child when she tried to entertain her younger sister at night when they were supposed to be going to sleep. In the dark, her stories typically took on a scary or paranormal element — didn’t do much to put her and her sister to sleep. Today, she hopes here stories still fail to put readers to sleep, but rather take them on a journey. That’s what she’s been on since she decided to make writing her focus. As a reporter and magazine feature writer, she truly enjoys learning as she works on stories. As a romance writer, she enjoys following an evolving story of her characters. She loves to tell stories about characters who don’t back down and use their challenges to grow.
What intrigues you about Dancing with Detective Danger?
Call it biased, but I love all of my books for a variety of reasons. What intrigues me about Dancing with Detective Danger is the relationship between the sisters, Sterling and Lacey. I wanted to explore being in family in different ways. The sisters are unique but they still support each other and allow for differences without judgement. So when heroine Sterling faces the return of a former lover, Detective Ben Kirby, and all the confusion surrounding their relationship, her sister is understanding but gives her a straight shot of truth when Sterling is ready for it.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
Many times. I first had that aha moment years ago when everything about writing and my personality came together. I began pursuing a writing career, but often I had to face self-doubt. I would reexamine being a writer from different angles and always land on a solid spot that confirmed it was right for me to write. Over and over, and finding different layers of self-doubt. Even just a few months ago, I faced it again at a deeper level. I realized anew and more profoundly that my passion always brings me to greater understanding of myself and the place writing holds for me. I don’t have any doubts now, so I absolutely know I have to be a writer to live my life. Things like disappointment with sales and reviews come up, but hope is more outspoken in me these days.
What was your favorite part of writing Dancing with Detective Danger?
I’m an introvert, so I enjoy finding the inner motivations and experiences of characters via my self-reflection and becoming the character. The experience of being lost in life is not unique, but with Sterling, I found it meaningful to take apart a foundational wounding and illustrate how it plays in her present choices. My version of that can only be written by me, but the experience is universal.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I love immersing into a story, feeling the characters’ journey, and learning things about myself and life from the story. That total experience is mesmerizing.
Are you a plotter, a pantser, or both?
I am a pantser and I embrace that aspect of me. It can be challenging because I don’t necessarily know what happens next, but I enjoy the organic movement of the story’s development. I trust that process even with the nerve-wracking moments of What now??!! I interviewed an expert on the pantser vs. plotter and just learning to become a plotter a while ago and she settled that dilemma for me. She said pantsers can change but probably only because they were a plotter in the making. True pantsers have brains wired that way.
Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
I think themes in all my books are pretty common to all stories. I like to explore ways of humans being in family, feeling different, and how love can embrace more of life than characters expect. Dancing with Detective Danger showcases how patterns people have prevent them from living their true lives and finding love.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I think a great take-away from DWDD would be that no matter how much pain sits beneath our daily experiences we have control over our lives by facing the various truths waiting to be revealed.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
This question made me gasp. One Book! My brain just froze.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
I love this question! One of my favorite songs right now is Melanie Doane’s Chopin Ballad https://youtu.be/8Ks02_Er9hA. It is so calming and reassuring.
Are you working on any projects right now?
I’m working on a romantic suspense with paranormal elements. I’m planning it as the first book in a three-book series. It’s taking longer to complete than any other books I’ve written because I’m being very deliberate and trying to stretch my skills. It’s done, but I’m going through it right now rewriting and editing. The main characters are what I call Aeons, who are direct descendants of Atlantians. They possess abilities that equip them to help prevent the world from going all to Hell.
Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is a business, and I know that. It is amazing work but it is hard, also. But because it is such a strong passion for me, I’m willing to recognize that it’s work and put in the work. Yes, it is a career. It can have duration if I can sustain a combination of skill, luck, determination, and successful promotions, as well as drink tons of coffee.
Besides writing, what would be your career of choice?
I enjoy learning about symbolism, especially in art, so I would be interested in art history. However, I can’t imagine choosing any career other than writing.
Can you share a tip about what you do when you get stuck in your writing?
Another great question. I do get stuck. It can prompt anxiety. But I’ve learned that is a passing phase of getting stuck, so I don’t stay there. The thing that gets me unstuck is writing. I use clusters. http://www.gabrielerico.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=77 to help me get my thoughts moving without censor. They have been really helpful for me over and over.
Are you a pet person? If so, do you have any?
I am a very strong animal lover and advocate. I presently have one cat. Willow is a member of family. I have a T-shirt that conveys my sentiments about pets very well: I’m sorry. I can’t. I have plans with my cat.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Oh my gosh. This question makes me want to have a sit-down with my younger self and reveal all of life’s secrets. LOL! I think I would tell young Lynn to believe in herself and not make others her inner authority. I could offer my/her gramma’s advice – Follow your heart. And I would assure her that everything will be okay.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://lynn-crandall.com/Blog: http://lynn-crandall.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrandallAuthor/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lcrandallwriter
Instagram: Lcrandall246
Amazon: http://a.co/4f24tYhGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25692171-dancing-with-detective-danger?from_search=true
Thanks for stopping by and answering my questions, Lynn. We loved learning more about you and your stories!
Thank you very much, Angela, for interviewing me for your blog. Your questions were fun and made me think!
by Angela Smith | Apr 20, 2017 | Guests
Strong Women Have Heart.
Uncovering secrets and exposing truth are all in a day’s work for private investigator Sterling Aegar. But when her latest case threatens to reveal her own buried feelings for an old love, Sterling runs for cover.
A body in the bathtub and pleas from a jilted wife to find her wayward husband mean a welcome break from the usual humdrum cases Sterling and her sister, Lacey, are called to investigate. But when Sterling’s old flame, Detective Ben Kirby, walks into the murder scene, she feels her world spin out of control. Danger from thugs and murderers poses no greater threat than the peril she’d suffer if she lets daredevil Ben get too close.
Seeing Sterling for the first time in two years is for Ben like drinking in a healing tonic. He could never forget the way it felt to run his hands over her delicious curves or the way she touched his soul. She remains the one person who can make the emptiness in his gut go away. Finding the murderer is his job, but protecting Sterling from seriously dangerous people is his mission.
As the case unfolds, Sterling and Ben not only try to solve the murder, they confront secrets that offer to set them each free from a painful past.
Links:
YouTube: http://youtu.be/UUbKNNxOe3w
Simon & Schuster http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Dancing-with-Detective-Danger/Lynn-Crandall/9781440564062
Amazon http://a.co/6Gw0o4G
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrandallAuthor/
www.lynn-crandall.com
@lcrandall246
Author bio:
Lynn Crandall lives in the Midwest and writes in the company of her two cats. She has been a reader and a writer all her life. Her background is in journalism, but whether writing a magazine or newspaper story or creating a romance, she loves the power stories hold to transport, inspire, and uplift. In her romances, she focuses on vulnerable, embraceable characters who don’t back down. She hopes that readers discover, over and over, stories of ordinary people who face ordinary life challenges and are transformed by extraordinary love.
by Angela Smith | Apr 18, 2017 | Guests
Fierce Hearts the Complete Series
99 Cents!
Five paranormal romances, five stories of danger, suspense, and heroism.
An epic showdown will pit love against evil in this shapeshifter romance series as the were-lynx colony faces off with the all-powerful Nexus Group determined to wipe them out. Only the strong and dedicated will survive–and only those willing to risk it all will find their soul mates in this thrilling and value-priced digital collection.
Buy Links:
Simon & Schuster http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fierce-Hearts/Lynn-Crandall/9781440599293
Amazon: http://a.co/bWd5qoT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrandallAuthor/
by Angela Smith | Oct 17, 2016 | Books
I’ve got Kristina Knight here on my blog again today with What the Gambler Risks! The first two books in this series are priced at $0.99, but that price ends tomorrow!
Best-selling author Kristina Knight’s Billionaire Cowboys are back for one final ride with this seductive story of long-simmering feelings and hot Vegas nights.
Twenty-something ice queen Sabrina Smith enjoys the fame and fortune she’s found writing self-help books for a largely female audience. Her readers hang on every word of how the Vegas Virgin – an unflattering and inaccurate moniker given to her by a local shock jock – juggles dating, working, and friendships in Sin City.
And that’s why Jase Reeves spells trouble.
Jase knows Sabrina’s secret – that she’s not nearly as cold as she would like people to think – and he’s through keeping it. He didn’t intend to have a one-night stand with the Vegas Virgin, but now he can’t get her out of his head. And he can’t keep living this lie.
With Jase back at the tables in Vegas, Sabrina has one goal: stay away from the handsome gambler before he melts her career – and her heart.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
Author Endorsement:
“Kristina Knight does it again! If you like relatable characters that you fall in love with from page one, amazing sexual tension, a story line that keeps you turning the pages, and snappy dialogue then you’ll love What the Gambler Risks. Ms. Knight is one of my favorite authors and her stories never disappoint, making it hard for me to pick a favorite from all her titles. If you haven’t read one of her books, you definitely need to.” ~ Christine Warner – author of The Friends First series with Entangled Publishing
“Kristina Knight gets me hooked- What a great start to a sexy new series! I felt right at home with these characters. Gage and Callie (What the Bachelor Gets) kept me on my toes!” ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Lynn Barrett
“In What the Heiress Wants, Kristina Knight writes a riveting story of corporate espionage and spying with delightful characters you find yourself rooting for and falling in love with.” ~ Sharon Cullen, USA Today Bestselling Author
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01LOIJPRA
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-gambler-risks-kristina-knight/1124576230?ean=9781440595806
iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-the-gambler-risks/id1151585328?mt=11
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/what-the-gambler-risks
EXCERPT:
“One more hand. Winner buys the loser a drink?”
She tilted her water bottle toward him. “I already have a drink.”
Jase snickered but was careful to keep the sound light and friendly. “That’s not a drink.” He lifted his glass of soda water with lime to his mouth. Most people wouldn’t consider the contents of his glass a real drink, either, but he rarely drank when he played. Alcohol and cards did not mix well in Jase’s opinion. “What do you have to lose?” he pressed.
“We’ll see,” she said, not meeting his gaze directly, and he was 75 percent positive she was on her way to a yes.
The dealer switched decks and then dealt the cards. Jase had random cards in his hands, but he didn’t care. The woman studied her hand, one manicured nail tapping against the cards. Considering.
“Twenty,” she said, throwing a chip on the table.
“Raise to forty,” Jase said, tossing two chips on the table. The best plan of attack when the cards in his hand were useless was to make her think he held something amazing. He didn’t bluff in real card games, but despite her two wins, he didn’t peg this woman as a true card player. If she were a regular player, she wouldn’t be so transparent about what she held in her hands.
The woman blinked, and her teeth began nibbling at her lower lip.
“Are you in?” he asked, a bit more forcefully than was necessary.
Her finger tapped faster against the cards in her hand. “I’ll take three,” she said and slid three cards to the dealer.
As soon as her new cards were in her hands, Jase said, “I’ll stand.” And he stacked his worthless cards with all the careless confidence he used in high-stakes games around the globe. The kind of confidence that made big-time, big-money gamblers think twice about going against him in the second betting round.
The woman circled her index finger around her remaining green chip, considering her options. Call, take the gamble, lose, and have a drink with him. Of course, it would take a truly pitiful hand to lose to what he held. She could fold and have a drink with him. She could also call his bluff and, depending on the cards in her own hand, win. He didn’t like the thought of her winning, but if her winning at the table landed the two of them at the bar, was it really a loss for him?
“Call,” she said, and Jase felt a wave of admiration for his opponent. Which was not good, because if she was calling she had to have something in her hand, and he had a big, fat zero. Which meant she would win. Jase didn’t like to lose, especially at poker, not even when it was a friendly game instead of a high-stakes match with thousands of dollars to lose.
She laid down her cards: three queens, a two, and a ten.
“Three of a kind. Nice.”
“I was hoping for a full house.”
“I was hoping you’d fold, so I could buy you that drink,” he said and laid his cards—all four suits, random order—on the table.
“Nice bluff, I almost folded.”
“If it had been a better bluff, you would have folded.” He watched her for a moment across the table. “Now you have to buy me the drink; all in all, not a bad night at the table.”
The woman pushed back from the table, pulling the pot in the middle to her side. Jase pocketed the chips he had left in his stack. “I never agreed to that bed,” she said, and her hands stilled over the chips. Her gaze flicked to his, and despite the dim light, he saw the flush that crept over her cheeks.
“And here I thought we were just talking about a drink. I have to tell you, I’m not the kind of guy to go off to a strange woman’s hotel room after a lousy hand of poker,” he said with mock outrage.
“Bet. I meant bet.”
Author Bio:
Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.
Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!
Author Links:
Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorkristina/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827833.Kristina_Knight
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+KristinaKnightAuthor/posts
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kristina-Knight/e/B0081LO6DM/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
