Monday, May 9, 2016

Monday's Montage Mantlepiece: To Protect and Love Box Set


Title: To Protect and Love
Authors: Mimi Barbour, Jude Ouvrard, Jacquie Biggar
Melissa Keir, Lyssa Layne, Stacy Eaton
Jade Kerrion, Chantel Rhondeau, Bonnie Edwards
Genre: Adult Romances
Release Date: May 3, 2016

***Only 99cents***

Summary:
When the oath to protect and serve tangles with love, expect sparks and lots of heat!
Hot firemen, alpha cops, sexy detectives, and dashing federal agents...this anthology from 9 best-selling and award-winning authors will have you rooting for your favorite heroes and heroines as they step up to the greatest challenge of their lives--to protect and love.

Books Included:
Special Agent Finnegan by Mimi Barbour
When Special Agent Finnegan O'Reilly gets shot, and the news brings on his father’s heart attack, he decides to take leave from further undercover assignments. The O'Reilly has suffered enough and Finn can’t be the cause of more distress for this beloved old rascal. Then his boss forces one more case on him - to take place in their own pub. Acting as the target to expose serial, suicide killers rampaging through New York City, Finn must play the part of a wife-beater, a cheating husband and an all-time jerk. No problem, until he meets his make-believe wife.

RenΓ©e Knight enjoys her job as a New York City cop. Her disguises have become a permanent fixture in her life, and no one knows what she really looks like. Except for the father she loves fiercely… the man, whose suicide makes no sense. If it means going undercover in an Irish pub where the culprits hang out, she’s their girl. Playing the wife of the bar owner to catch the killers—easy. But they never intend for her to fall for this guy, she does this all on her own. Now she has to hire the assassins to arrange his suicide. Can she catch them, before they complete the mission?

Not Afraid to Love You by Jude Ouvrard 
Lilly McCarthy thought she had found the one, until an unexpected side of Dave left her body bruised and her pride hurt.

Living in fear, she knows she has to do something before the unimaginable happens. A timely phone call provides Lilly a means to escape but is her family prepared to face her nightmares?

While Lilly takes the time to heal and regain control of her life, an unexpected source of support appears in the form of her brother's best friend - and her old crush - Lennox. Lilly hesitates to take on a new relationship, but Lennox is not giving up. He wants Lilly to find her way and be herself again, the relaxed and easygoing girl she used to be.

Can the love of a good man convince this scared and frightened woman to trust again? Or is it only going to push her away?

The Sheriff Meets His Match by Jacquie Biggar 
When a jaded sheriff is drawn to an exasperating woman in trouble, anything can happen.

Laurel Thomas is tired of experiencing life from the outside looking in. She likes the warm welcome she's received in Tidal Falls and wants to make a home in this friendly little town, far away from her egocentric family. But when her uncle arrives, the past catches up to her.

Jack Garrett is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He has a good job as the sheriff of his hometown, a nice home, and a beautiful teenage daughter. Jack struggles against his attraction for the disorganized new hire at the department, Laurel Thomas. She threatens everything he's worked so hard to avoid—like falling in love.

Can two people with enough emotional baggage to sink a ship find a way to give each other a chance, or is this match doomed to drown?

Protecting His Wolfe by Melissa Keir 
Betsie Wolfe is a small-town girl who leaves her cozy little life for a job in the big city, never expecting to become a witness to a murder or face vicious threats.

Detective Jonah Pigg is attracted to Betsie’s green eyes and small frame when he arrives on the scene of the murder.

When the threats begin, he takes her into his home under the protection of the three Piggs who own the Pigg Detective Agency. It will take all his detective work to keep her safe from the killer.

Passion has a way of igniting when people are under stressful situations, and lust leads Betsie and Jonah into each other’s arms. But is their relationship a matter of desire, or is it something more?

Love is a Fire by Lyssa Layne 
“Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn your house down, you can never tell.” -Joan Crawford

Dr. Katy Malone has sworn off love after losing those she loves most in her life including her father, a member of the FDNY. She has decided to spend her time focusing on her medical research. Her ex-fiancΓ©e, and fellow doctor, isn't ready to give up on loving her though.

Firefighter Nick Garrity is on a search for the future Mrs. Garrity. As he pushes thirty, with no prospects in sight, he's afraid he'll never find her. A devoted member of FDNY, he loves the thrill of his job and the satisfaction it brings him. He strives to teach the proby firefighter, Patrick Doyle, the ropes and pass on his passion to him.

When Doyle tries to impress the guys on the crew, he ends up in the care of Dr. Katy Malone. One look at Dr. Malone and Nick knows he's found his future wife but can he convince her to love again?

Distorted Loyalties by Stacy Eaton 
Emergency room Doctor Rachel Wilde and Detective Grant Murphy meet by chance and it takes only one glance and a simple gentle touch to ignite their senses.

When Grant’s wife is in a tragic accident, Rachel goes above and beyond the call of duty to save her life. It is the moment she faces Grant again that their lives begin to spin out of control and they realize the lives of their loved ones were deeply intertwined.

The distorted loyalties of the ones they lost will drive a wedge between them and it will take another death, a last will and a look beyond the grave to find the path they must follow.

Crushed by Jade Kerrion 
Cody Hart, the daredevil black sheep of the esteemed Hart clan, should never have made it to his twenty-fifth birthday. What he hadn’t counted on, though, was his best friend dying instead of him.

Emotionally devastated and financially ruined by the death of her brother, Felicity Rivers is down to her last hundred dollars when Cody offers his help, at a price. She’s out of options, but nothing on Earth could possibly entice her into the arms of the man who killed her brother.

Crime & Passion by Chantel Rhondeau
A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the letter of the law, lands in trouble when a schoolteacher finds a dead body on the beach.

Officer Donovan Andrews knows how to have a good time--ask any woman in town. But when it comes to men abusing their wives or children, Donovan takes it upon himself to make them regret it.

Madeline Scott is unlucky in love. All she wants is a quiet place to heal, away from cheating, womanizing men. However, her life is far from peaceful once she stumbles across the body and witnesses someone fleeing the scene.

Terror spreads in Pleasant View when the small community hears a killer is on the loose. All evidence points to Donovan, and he realizes someone is trying to frame him. When troubling suspicions from his past surface, even fellow officers believe he's guilty. Madeline might be the only person who can clear his name, but first he has to win her trust.

The body count rises and no one is safe. The murderer makes it clear Madeline is next. Soon, Donovan's whole world is focused on protecting her and keeping himself out of prison. The more time he spends with her, the harder it is to fight his growing attraction. Since she's been burned by love, convincing Madeline he's interested in something more than hot sex may prove harder than keeping her alive.

CONTENT WARNING: Violence, language, sizzling love scenes.
Although this book is a standalone title, it can serve as a prequel to the Agents in Love Series. 

Love in a Pawn Shop by Bonnie Edwards 
A pit bull, a pawn shop and a pain-in-the-ass kid brother. . .

Dix is good with two out of three. She's had it with dusty shelves, desperate people and her teenage brother. With Riley about to graduate, Dix is ready to buy her one-way ticket to Paris.

Then sexy cop Dane Caldwell walks into her store on the hunt for stolen goods, and threatens her brother and her business.

The worst threat is to Dix's heart...if she loses that, she loses her dream.

Dane soon realizes he's found love in a pawn shop. Even the pit bull thinks he's okay. Now all he has to do is convince Dix that love is more than just another complication.

Author Bios:
Mimi Barbour
Mimi Barbour is an incredibly busy New York Times, USA Today and award-winning, best-selling author who has five series to her credit. The Vicarage Bench Series – Spirit/Time -Travel tales that have a surprising twist / The Angels with Attitude Series – Angels Love Romance / The Elvis Series – Make an Elvis song a book / Vegas Series – 6 books full of romantic suspense, humor and gritty conflicts / and… the fast-paced, edgy yet humorous romantic suspense, Undercover FBI Series. She also has numerous box collections and single titles to add to her credits. Mob Tracker is a new series she’s working on now which will be published in 2016.

Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her loving husband and a son who makes her glad she was born a woman. Also has a niece whose family adds greatly to her enjoyment of life, and she's a happy soul. Gardening lights her inner fires, but alas, there's just not enough time to be outside when fictional characters vie to be heard.

Jude Ouvrard:
Jude Ouvrard is an author who writes from the heart, and reads with passion and devotion. Jude enjoys stories of drama, true love, tattoos, and everything in between. While writing is her therapy, reading is her solace. Life doesn't get better than books and chocolate, and maybe a little bit of shopping.

A romance lover, Jude writes about love, pain, heartbreak and matters that will challenge your heart. A book can tell an unexpected story, no matter which directions it takes. Jude embraces words that have haunted her for years.

Jude is a working mom who dedicates her time to a law firm and writing books. She has an energetic five-year old superhero son, and a supportive boyfriend of thirteen years. Her family is her rock; she could not survive without them. Born a country girl, she transformed into a city woman who now lives in Montreal, Canada. Although French is her first language, Jude decided to write in English because she liked the challenge.

Jude Ouvrard is the author of two novellas, "Under the Sun" and "Wonderland", and three novels, “Lost Dreams”, “Body, Ink, and Soul,” and “Ophelia.” She is currently working on sequels to her novels and a new project.

Jacquie Biggar:
I live in paradise along the west coast of Canada with my family and love reading, writing, and flower gardening. Oh, and I can't function without coffee! Preferably at the beach with my sweetheart. :)

I write Romantic Suspense with tough, alpha males who know what they want until they're gob-smacked by heroines who are strong, contemporary women willing to show them what they really need is love.

I've been blessed with a long, happy marriage and enjoy writing romance novels that end with happy-ever-afters.

Melissa Keir
Melissa Keir has always wanted to be an author when she wasn’t hoping for a career as a race car driver. Her love of books was instilled by her mother and grandparents who were avid readers. She’d often sneak books away from them so that she could fantasize about those strong alpha males and plucky heroines. In middle school and high school, Melissa used to write sappy love poems and shared them with her friends and still has those poems today! In college her writing changed to sarcastic musings on life as well as poems with a modern twist on fairy tales and won awards for her writing. You can find many of these musings along with her latest releases on her website and blog. 

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, owner of a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature happy endings and is often seen plotting her next story.

Lyssa Layne
Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

Stacy Eaton
Stacy Eaton is a police officer by profession. Currently, she is working as the department investigator and enjoys digging into cases and putting the pieces of the puzzles together.

Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania and is the wife to a police officer and the mother of two. She is very proud of her son who is currently serving in the United States Navy and equally proud of her younger daughter who works hard in her Tae Kwon Do studies. 

When Stacy is not working her demanding job, or spending time with her family, she works on her business and volunteers with the World Literary CafΓ©. When there is time, she writes.

Jade Kerrion
Jade Kerrion defied (or leveraged, depending on your point of view) her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Philosophy, as well as her MBA, to embark on her second (and concurrent) career as an award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance author.

Her debut novel, Perfection Unleashed, published in 2012, won six literary awards and launched her best-selling futuristic thriller series, Double Helix, which blends cutting-edge genetic engineering and high-octane action with an unforgettable romance between an alpha empath and an assassin.

Earth-Sim and Eternal Night won first place Royal Palm Literary Awards in the Young Adult and Fantasy categories respectively. Readers have clamored for sequels, and Jade will get around to them when her To Do list opens up (sometime after 2020.) Life Shocks Romances features Jade’s sweet and sexy contemporary romance series, which proves that, at the very least, she knows how to alphabetize books.

If she sounds busy, that’s because she is. Jade writes at 3 a.m., when her husband and three sons are asleep, and aspires to make her readers as sleep-deprived as she is.

Visit her website for a free copy of Aroused.

Chantel Rhondeau
Bestselling author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Chantel is author of six romantic suspense novels, a Christmas novella, and the new McCallister’s Paradise series with many more in the works. She lives in the western United States, and when she's not writing she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.


Bonnie Edwards
Multi-published author Bonnie Edwards lives with her husband and pets on the rainy coast of British Columbia. She believes life should be lived with joy. That joy shows up in her earthy, irreverent love stories. Bonnie uses long hikes to bounce ideas off her husband and her standard poodle, who almost always agrees with her.

She has written novels, novellas and short stories for Carina Press, Harlequin, Kensington Books and Robinson (UK) although now she publishes her work herself.

Sometimes her stories have a paranormal twist, likes curses and ghosts, other times not. But they’re always entertaining and guarantee a happy ending.


Mimi Barbour
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Jude Ouvrard
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Jacquie Biggar
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Melissa Keir
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Lyssa Layne
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Stacy Eaton
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Jade Kerrion
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Chantel Rhondeau
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Bonnie Edwards
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Taxi by Cambria Hebert

Title: Taxi
Author: Cambria Hebert
Series: Take it Off #11
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: May 6, 2016
Summary:
The meter is running…

One night as Rose Crawford steps out of a bar, she gives no second thought to lifting her hand to signal for a cab. After all, it’s the responsible thing to do.

A common occurrence.

Far safer than walking several blocks, alone, in the dark.

A familiar-looking yellow taxi with black, faux-leather seats, running meter on the dash, and a smiling driver pulls up to the curb.

Rose slides in. Gives the driver her address…

But she never reaches her destination.

Instead, she finds herself captive, at the will of a man who isn’t a driver, but a bona fide psychopath.

Trapped in a taxi she can’t escape, Rose begins to panic. As the miles between her and safety grow, hope dwindles. It isn’t until someone else joins her in captivity that her spark of hope is rekindled.

Derek is strong, capable, and surely together they can fight their way to freedom.

Then Rose finds out exactly why she’s been driven into hell. Derek may be an unwilling captive, but he isn’t going to help her.

In fact, he’s there to do the exact opposite.





Author Bio:
Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.


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Taxi #11
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Sunday, May 8, 2016

Sunday's Safe Word Shelf: Star Power by Morticia Knight


Summary:
They must escape danger before they can have their Hollywood ending.

After a few cinematic bombs lower his box-office appeal, actor Adrien Fury wants Harrison Langford to bring his career back to superstar status. He would also love to learn more about his mysterious and handsome agent, if he could ever get him alone.

Harry has loved Adrien for years but never revealed his feelings. He keeps things professional between them and will do whatever it takes to make sure Adrien gets what he wants. When increasingly disturbing letters show up at his agency, threatening horrible things against the man he loves, Harry vows to protect Adrien at all costs.

Adrien and Harry are on the verge of revealing their true feelings to each other when danger strikes. Maybe they can share a lasting love…if Adrien's stalker doesn’t get to him first.



The whole nightmare had begun a couple of months before, the first letters almost a month apart, then gradually becoming more violent and frequent. The one on Karen’s desk would be the third this week, the previous one less than twenty-four hours earlier.

“You can no longer be left alone for one thing.”

Adrien raised his head to see Harry staring at him even more intensely than normal. He hadn’t thought such a thing was possible.

“But I don’t trust anyone except my mom and sister. My brother’s out. He’d probably take out a billboard ad with directions to where I was and how to get to me. And anyway, I won’t endanger my family.”

“Of course not. After yesterday’s rather gory communication, I placed a call to a bodyguard agency. I’d planned on filling you in at the end of our meeting.”

Adrien tried not to roll his eyes. He didn’t know why they even bothered with meetings. Harry went ahead and did whatever he wanted to do anyway.

“Can I go on record and say that I think the whole bodyguard thing is creepy? Some stranger following me around in my own home, staring at me.”

“Is that less appealing to you than being killed?”

“Listen, Mr. Spock. Could I have a tiny bit of compassion here? You might not be freaking out, but I am.” He folded his hands in his lap, attempting to get his panic under control. Harry was right. Coming unglued wouldn’t help. He just had no idea what would. “Bodyguard, huh? How many and how do we pick a trustworthy agency? I mean, what if the stalker gets to them by paying them off or…something?”

“This isn’t the plot to your last bomb at the box office and regardless, I know of a reputable agency.”

Adrien let out an aggravated sigh. “Of course you do.”

“Would you prefer I was less efficient?” Harry continued as it had no doubt been a rhetorical question anyway. “I’ll confer with them. But my suggestion would be two inside and at least four on the perimeter of your property.”

Another sarcastic retort almost burst out of him, but he knew he was being a brat. It was obvious that Harry had already gone to the trouble of finding a way to protect him, probably doing it in a manner so that he wouldn’t get overly upset.

“Harry?”

“Yes, Adrien?”

“Thank you. I’m just…” He swallowed hard past a lump in his throat.

“I know, Adrien. Trust me. I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

*****

Harrison gazed at the reflection staring back at him from his mirror. He adjusted the square shaped, solid gold and pearl studs in his royal blue Canali French cuffed dress shirt. His tie was in a pattern of diagonal stripes that consisted of the dark blue of his shirt, ice blue, then black. It was an excellent contrast to what he wore, the matching gold and pearl tie bar completing his ensemble.

He kept his dark brown hair meticulously trimmed and in a professional cut. The slightly longer strands across the top of his head were slicked back, only the barest hint of silver beginning at his temples. His exercise regime was basic, but kept him trim and healthy. His goal was a flat stomach, light muscle definition and enough strength that, on the occasions he sought out a partner, he’d have the vigor to effectively wield a crop or flogger and not experience any physical drain. It’d be a waste if he was too tired to fuck a man after reddening his flesh with an arousing beating.

Harrison banished his thoughts. The only man he’d ever loved wouldn’t likely appreciate his harsh attentions. He’d been aware for a while that Adrien found him attractive, had even picked up on his occasional attempts at flirting. But from the moment he’d sought out then signed Adrien, he’d protected his career, his reputation, and had done everything in his rather extensive power to give Adrien whatever he wanted. Jumping into bed with him would’ve been irresponsible.

Neither of them had love in their lives, but both were exceedingly rich and successful. Harrison didn’t mind loving Adrien from afar, not really. He wished for more, would give almost anything to have it, but the one thing he wouldn’t do was go against Adrien’s best interests. If keeping his hands off the stunning Adrien Fury was a part of that, then so be it.

He doesn’t have time for love or relationships.

In the beginning it’d made sense. Every resource had been needed to build a superstar career. Then the offers had come in and Adrien was so busy filming and doing promo tours, there’d been time for little else. Currently, all attention had to be placed on resurrecting the great Adrien Fury to his previously exalted status.

And keeping him safe.

Harrison sucked in a sharp breath, the pain that surged through him at the slightest thought that Adrien might be harmed being almost too much for him to bear.

No one will touch him. I’ll kill them first.

Author Bio:
M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys hot stories of men loving men forever after. They can be men in uniform, Doms and subs, rock stars or bikers - but they're all searching for the one (or two!) who was meant only for them.

When not indulging in her passion for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She is currently working on more installments of Sin City Uniforms and The Hampton Road Club, as well as the follow-up to Bryan and Aubrey's story from Rockin' the Alternative.


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Saturday, May 7, 2016

Saturday's Series Spotlight: Young Ladies of Mystery by Stacy Juba


Series: Young Ladies of Mystery #1-3
Author: Stacy Juba
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Paranormal

**Books for when Nancy Drew fans grow up**

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today #1
Summary:
Should we dig for the truth when Pandora’s Box is a coffin of buried secrets? When obit writer and aspiring reporter Kris Langley investigates the 25-year-old unsolved murder of Diana Ferguson, a young artist obsessed with Greek mythology, not only does she fall in love with Diana's nephew, but she must also fight to stay off the obituary page herself.

Sink or Swim #2
Summary:
Personal trainer Cassidy Novak garners popularity and fame while starring in a hit reality show. She catches the attention of an obsessive stalker that turns her well-ordered life topsy-turvy. As Cassidy's competitors disappear in a string of murders, she teams up with Zach Gallagher, the photographer tasked to record her personal moments for a local newspaper. Is Zach trustworthy? He shadows her as easily as the stalker. Cassidy hates the bizarre rules in this guessing game, but when her stalker forces a showdown, she plays to win.

Dark Before Dawn #3
Summary:
If you could control minds...would you? It's hard enough for Dawn hiding that she's a teen psychic from her new classmates and new step-family, but it gets even tougher when she learns that ESP spells D-A-N-G-E-R. When Dawn gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak "accidents" in town, Dawn has an important choice to make - continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her.




Twenty-Five Years Ago Today
“Kris? Kris?"

Her eyes snapped open, the scream ripping from her throat. She glanced around the dark room, shapes foreign, distorted by shadows. "No. I'm sorry Nicole ..."

"Kris? Kris?" Someone shook her shoulder. She gasped.

"Kris." Eric hugged her. Warm. He felt so warm. He stroked her hair, whispering in her ear. "It's okay. Everything's gonna be okay."

Reality rushed back to her. She hadn't lasted through the movie. She had turned off the television and slipped into unconsciousness. Eric's face fuzzed in and out of focus.

He switched on the lamp. "Want a glass of water?"

"No."

"What were you dreaming?"

"I don't remember."

"You screamed out ‘Nicole.’ You woke me up."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Nicole was your cousin, right? Tell me about her." Eric rubbed her hair again, the gentle strokes calming her.

"We were the same age," Kris said. "Our families were close. We lived in the same neighborhood."

"That must've been fun."

"It was. Lots of fun." Tears spilled down her cheeks. Eric traced one with his fingertip.

"My mother told me your cousin was the girl who was killed by a neighbor," he said in a hushed voice. "I remember hearing about it when I was a kid. She went to a different school, but it still shook up all my friends. It was awful."

He wasn't wearing a shirt, just sweatpants. She must've scared the hell out of him.

"I’d rather not discuss it," Kris said.

"I want to help."

Kris felt the words surging to her throat, but she couldn't tell him. Not now. Not ever. "You are helping, just by being here. I don't want to be alone."

She pressed her lips to Eric's, first softly then more urgent. He responded without hesitation, crushing his mouth against hers. Kris dug her nails into his shoulders and the smooth contoured muscles of his chest. He gently laid her back and nibbled her ear, working a sensuous trail down her neck.

He glided down the zipper of her hooded sweatshirt and skimmed his thumb across her belly. She closed her eyes, arching as his hand slipped upward with agonizing slowness. Her stomach rose and fell as his fingers splayed over her heart. Kris's breathing quickened into a pant, every nerve ending igniting.

His eyes moved up to her, communicating desire. "I care about you, Kris. I was happy when you showed up tonight. I was afraid you didn't feel the same way about me."

"I do."

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes," she whispered. "Stop talking."

Kris reached behind his head and pulled him down. Her thoughts scattered as she banished Nicole's disapproving ghost to the dim recesses of her mind.


Sink of Swim
Cassidy sat poised in her chair as former contestants filed onto the soundstage at WBC in New York. Together, the studio audience and television viewers had watched the recorded footage of her walking the plank. Gabriel would now interview the competitors from the inaugural season one final time.

More importantly, he would announce her prize. If it erased most of her debts, then it would at least make this whole embarrassing experience worthwhile. Cassidy’s heart kicked in her chest and sweat moistened her brow.

As one of her old teammates entered, her heart rate skyrocketed for a different reason. Josh Sanchioni slid into a bucket seat, carrying himself stiffer than normal in his sharp gray suit. Studio lights caught his sunbleached strawberry blonde waves, brightening the reddish gold tints.

Cassidy slipped her gaze to his leather shoes. If Josh hadn’t been engaged, they could have been an item. Instead, they’d been good friends until that one evening when the cameras were off and they almost kissed. They’d both realized their mistake and backed away. Things were strained until Josh walked the plank a week later.

Tonight, not only did Cassidy have to face Josh, she would probably meet his fiancΓ©e.

Her cheeks heating, Cassidy focused on the competitor beside Josh as a distraction. Adam Horton sat erect, hands folded in the lap of his olive green khakis. He wasn’t military, but he dressed like an Army wannabe. His reptilian eyes drilled into Cassidy, his angular face revealing the shape of bones underneath. A blond goatee darkened his pointy chin.

Cassidy shuddered involuntarily. Adam never said much, but he made her uncomfortable just the same.


Dark Before Dawn
Dawn gave an involuntary shudder as they drove past the beach. The gray tide pitched forward, swallowing the slick mirror of sand. She gazed down at her knuckles, fisted in her lap. Her mother and Jeff worshipped the ocean, but to her it was a mysterious monster foaming at the mouth.

She heard Ken's voice rambling about some girl, Renee, and how he planned to approach her at her locker. Renee had a boyfriend, but Ken had seen them fighting a couple times over the summer. Maybe if he started saying hi to her, he’d have a chance. After all, she’d smiled his way at the movies last weekend. At least, Ken was pretty sure the smile was meant for him. All his friends were getting hooked up and he wanted to find someone special.

Dawn turned away from the beach, surprised and a little flattered that Ken was confiding in her. "What’s she’s like?"

"Who?"

"Renee."

"You listened to me talk to Billy last night, didn't you?" he demanded. "I don't believe this. I don't get any privacy."

Hot numbness swept over Dawn’s face. Oh, no. Ken hadn’t been speaking aloud just now. She’d picked up on his thoughts. Every once in awhile, that happened and Dawn couldn’t control it. Sometimes she caught on and managed to avoid making a fool out of herself. Other times, she blurted out something dumb. You idiot, you’ve got to think before talking, Dawn chastised herself.

"What were you doing, standing outside the door?" Ken asked.

"I walked by your door when you were on the phone. Sorry, I didn’t mean to overhear."

"Yeah, I'll bet."

"I didn't do it on purpose." Dawn swallowed as he tightened his grip around the steering wheel. What an awful day, and it was only 7:15 a.m.

"Why’d you bring up Renee now?"

"I don’t know. I … I thought maybe I could help."

"I doubt it. Just forget it, okay?"

That was exactly what Dawn wanted to do.

"Sure." She let out her breath as Ken fixed his attention on the road.

This curse had haunted her since she was seven. Dawn never confided in anyone that she was psychic, but whenever she slipped, other kids shrank away from her. Like last year, with Samantha, a transfer student Dawn tutored in math. She and Samantha hit it off until Dawn asked why Sam’s father was in prison. Samantha's eyes narrowed and she asked how Dawn knew that. No one knew that. Soon, Samantha found a new best friend.

At least Ken had accepted her apology and his own explanation, even though it made her look nosy. 

Something made her turn her head. A weather-beaten cream cottage rose on a bluff, stunted and defiant against the broad swath of sky. Shades blocked the windows and silver wind chimes swayed from an overhang on the white-painted porch.

Iciness dripped over her body. A word detonated in her mind.

Evil.



Twenty-Five Years Ago Today

Sink of Swim


Author Bio: 
She loves to write about Characters at a Crossroads: individuals who are finding themselves and getting on the right life path after overcoming obstacles. Her goals are to entertain readers of all ages as well as inspire them through her mystery, romance and contemporary fiction books for adults, teens and children. She has written about ice hockey, sibling rivalry and sportsmanship, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths solving mysteries. Her latest novel is Fooling Around With Cinderella, the first in the Storybook Valley chick lit sweet romance series. Stacy is always happy to hear from readers.


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Twenty-Five Years Ago Today #1

Sink or Swim #2
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Dark Before Dawn #3
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