Series Spotlight: The Damned by L.M. Pruitt

Series Spotlight: The Sullivans by Bella Andre

Series Spotlight: Cal Winter Series by Dominic Adler

The  Ninth Circle
by Dominic Adler
Thistle Publishing
Thriller/Suspense
Buy Here

Captain Cal Winter, MC - disgraced Iraq veteran, recovering addict and reluctant assassin. Blackmailed into service for a shadowy private army, Cal’s bloody past catches up with him when he is assigned to protect a Russian oligarch.

Sergei Belov, multi-millionaire patron to a controversial internet whistle-blower, has access to secrets that the Russian FSB wants. The streets of London explode into violence when Cal hunts down the assassins, proving that the best form of defence is attack.

Cal’s rag-tag team of veterans enlist the help of a Russian intelligence officer, tracking the Russian mafia gang supporting the clandestine FSB operation and a bizarre cult of Dante-quoting dispossessed, who are also seeking to murder Belov.

The trail leads to a shattered nuclear reactor in Tatarstan and a web of treachery, spun in the dying days of Communism.

***

The Devil's Work
by Dominic Adler
Thistle Publishing
Thriller/Suspense
Buy Here

SHORTLISTED FOR THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE 2016

A war-blighted African state, in thrall to the Chinese…

A rogue British security contractor, captured freelancing for a rebel general, interred in a high security prison…

An MI6 team under suspicion of betrayal, tasked with staging a rescue attempt…

Enter Cal Winter and the press-ganged mercenaries of The Firm, tasked with planning a daring assault on a remote, heavily guarded fortress. But Cal has another off-the-books objective: discover the traitor inside the MI6 team, believed to have been turned by the Chinese Ministry of State Security.

Cal’s mission becomes a desperate warzone whodunnit, the only prize betrayal or sudden death. Outnumbered and outgunned, Cal’s team are hunted by an elite team of Chinese commandos in a blood-soaked game of espionage and deception. As more of The Firm’s secrets are revealed, Cal Winter is left with a perilous choice…


Reviews:

'Channelling ‘The Wild Geese’ and ‘Where Eagles Dare,’ Adler’s hard-boiled, knowing homage to the action thriller has a dark, modern twist.'  - Harry Keeble, author of ‘Crack House’ and ‘Terror Cops’.

***

The Saint Jude Rules
by Dominic Adler
Thistle Publishing
Thriller/Suspense

Cal Winter: Junkie. Murderer. Winner of the Military Cross for Gallantry.

Penniless and desperate, Cal Winter is coerced into working for a band of freelance paramilitaries known as The Firm. After a decade of deniable killing, he plots revenge. Armed with a secret file of The Firm's dirtiest secrets, Winter returns to London. There he discovers the organisation has evolved into something even worse…

Winter assembles a careworn team of The Firm's cast-offs and misfits. Their enemy: a ruthless warrior elite, information warfare specialists battle-honed in the West's 'Forever Wars'.

From Iceland to the City of London, to the lonely marshes of England's southern coast, Winter must stop The Firm. Not just to save the country he once scorned, but to fulfil his vow to be a better man.

‘Adler's prose is razor sharp, his characters flawed enough to be believable. A great read.’ - Alex Shaw, best-selling author of Cold East.

***

About the Author:

Dominic Adler was born in London. After university, he spent over twenty years working for a UK law enforcement agency. Dominic is particularly interested in technology, military history, and the politics of the 21st century mercenary.

Sries Spotlight & Giveaway Featuring Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Spellbound: A Limited Edition Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Collection

Bleeding Hearts

Ash Krafton

Genre: fantasy/ paranormal romance/ urban fantasy

Publisher: genreCRAVE

Date of Publication: May 2, 2017

ASIN: B01N18NFS9

Number of pages: 5000+

Word Count: 1.5 Million +

Cover Artist: Rebecca Frank

Box Set Description:

The Spellbound Boxed Set is a compilation of 20+ Full-Length Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance reads!

Readers of all ages will be swept away by this fascinating mix of existing titles and brand new content, full of pages brimming with faeries, witches, vampires, shifters, psychics, Greek gods, angels, demons, and even ghosts!

With over a million words of fiction, this is your one stop shop for urban fantasy, epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, shifter romance, vampire romance, elemental magic, time travel, and MORE from today’s New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling authors!

Although some of these reads may be gritty and dark, this is a collection of clean reads that anyone will enjoy!

Pre-Order Sale Only .99

Amazon      Kobo      BN      Apple

The collection includes titles from…

International bestselling author Jade Kerrion

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Joanne Wadsworth

International bestselling author Nicole Zoltack

International bestselling author Rachel E. Carter

International bestselling author Andrea Pearson

International bestselling author Alicia Rades

International bestselling author Sophie Davis

USA TODAY bestselling author Michael J Ploof

International bestselling author Megan Crewe

International bestselling author C.E. Wilson

International bestselling author Kelly Carrero

International bestselling author Jess Haines

International bestselling author E. Blix

International bestselling author Alexis Kade

International bestselling author GP Ching

International bestselling author Gaja J. Kos and Boris Kos

International bestselling author Dara Fraser

International bestselling author Ash Krafton

International bestselling author Jim Johnson

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Tom Shutt

International bestselling author Emily Martha Sorensen

International bestselling author S McPherson

 The first chapters of books by each featured author are available in the Spellbound Sampler, available on Wattpad

Book Description Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist whose work leaves her neck-deep in other people's problems. Thanks to her compassion, her gut instinct, and her magnetic charm, Sophie really knows how to attract little black clouds.

Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he's a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who's taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.

He seeks salvation. She's driven to save him. But what if he can't be saved?

Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie's hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.

All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from Falling?

The following is an excerpt from BLEEDING HEARTS Demimonde Book 1 by Ash Krafton

In the great hall housing the Egyptian exhibitions, I immediately noted the change in the atmosphere. The room was cool and dry, its climate controlled to mimic the conditions in which the relics had existed in their native land.

The entire room had been designed to resemble an Old Kingdom temple. The main lights were dimmed while strategically-placed spotlights emphasized massive columns and magnificent wall carvings like sunbeams through temple windows.

I scanned the room. No other tourists. Even better. I meandered, enjoying the rare opportunity to linger.

Craning my neck, I ran my gaze up each of the columns, reading the images, admiring the palm leaves carved at the tops like great stone trees. Eyes toward the ceilings, I turned slowly around, admiring the handiwork of the ancient artists.

What was it like to live in those lands and those times? Could an ancient version of my spirit have been there, stepping barefoot and silently through a sandy temple like this one?

Lost in contemplation, I was completely unprepared for the shock of smacking into someone, bumping him hard enough to lose my balance. I'd have fallen had he not caught my arm. Wide-eyed with consternation, I stammered an apology to the handsome but serious-faced gentleman.

"You are not hurt, I hope?" His voice, deep and smooth, sent shivers marching down my neck, between my shoulders, down my spine.

"I'm okay." I shook my head, too shy to make direct eye contact, wishing I'd checked my hair and lipstick before coming in. "I'm far too adept at being inept."

He flashed a grin and I caught a glimpse of nice white teeth. "Temples are places for spiritual reflection. It is forgivable if your vision was turned inward, rather than toward where you were walking."

His expression softened by amusement, he tilted his head toward the pillars. "Majestic, aren't they?"

I stole another glance at him—black hair smoothed back into a discreet tail, clear light skin framed by long sideburns, strong jaw culminating in a square, cleft chin. Like the other items in the museum, something about him made me want to look closer, inspect each detail.

A subtle flush warmed my cheeks and ears so I quickly turned back to the heights of the exhibition. Murmuring a sound of agreement, I circled the column, stepping a few feet away so I could see both him and the stone. "Do you visit this museum often?"

Furtive glances allowed me to take in more of his appearance a tiny section at a time. Clothing dark as his hair. Long blazer, something in between a suit coat and an overcoat. In one hand he carried a bound book and fountain pen, as if he'd been making notes.

His gaze was calm and steady and entirely on me. Taking a deep breath I permitted the contact of the direct look. My boldness was well-rewarded. His Paul Newman lips brought to mind the sculptured busts on display in the Greco-Roman Quarters and he wore a stern expression that cast a veil of hardness upon his features, enhancing the impression he'd been carved from marble.

Except for his eyes. The Roman busts bore eyes that were blank and white but this man's eyes were alive with bright green color. Like gemstones, they glittered and drew my gaze.

"No, actually," he said. "My first time here. Although, I admit, I'm drawn to places like this." His voice made music of the words—deep bass notes and soothing rhythm.

"Ah!" I said. "A man after my own heart." His left eyebrow arched so sharply I thought it might disappear into his hairline and I hurriedly continued. "Are you a professor?"

"No, nothing like that. I do studying of my own, it's not a living. It's more of a hobby. Personal research, of sorts."

"Studying past times is one of my pastimes. It's my preferred form of entertainment."

"Mmm." Eyebrow cocked again, he cast a disapproving look at me and swept his hand around the contrived temple. "Would the gods be pleased to know they are reduced to the level of entertainment?"

"I hope so." I kept my tone light. Considering the seriousness of his expression, I didn't want to accidentally insult him. "Otherwise, they'd have to be content with staying dead, right?"

His gaze swept over me and I shivered again as if the touch had been tangible, a brush of fingertips against my cheek.

"Well, I'll leave you to your worship. I mean, your wanderings." He gave me a conspirator's wink. "Unless..."

He hesitated, with a quiet clearing of throat as he tucked his notebook and pen into an inside pocket. "You wouldn't mind a companion? Sometimes one sees things differently when seeing through another's eyes. I would appreciate a new perspective."

I mulled it over, listening to the rain spattering the windows and distant voices echoing faintly from other rooms. Although I'd looked forward to a quiet afternoon, it might be nice to spend it with someone who seemed to share my interests. He certainly was attractive, and his pleasant voice intrigued me.

I realized I'd become used to living inside a shell. This man made me want to step outside for once.

"I'd like that." I smiled at his pleased expression. "I'm Sophie, by the way." I stuck out my hand in introduction.

Instead of shaking my hand, he bent his head over it and pressed polite lips to the backs of my fingers. The quaint gesture would have seemed strange and out of place had we been elsewhere. "I am Marek. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Fingers tingling from the unexpected kiss, I fought the urge to curtsy. "Well, Marek. Lead me into the past."

His almost-smile sent a thrill down the back of my neck. "That's exactly the sort of thing I'd hoped you say. Shall we?"

He turned on his heel and swept out a hand with a slight bow, indicating the archway to another exhibit. For the first time since I'd been coming to this museum, I wondered what I'd see on the other side, and was surprised to realize I wasn't afraid to find out.

About the Author:

A speculative fiction girl through and through, Ash writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels as well as poetry and short fiction. She also writes for New Adult audiences under the name AJ Krafton. Her work has won a bunch of awards and was even nominated for a Pushcart Prize. When she's not writing, she's practicing Tai Chi, listening to loud rock and metal, or crushing on supervillains.

Most recently, she's re-released her urban fantasy trilogy THE BOOKS OF THE DEMIMONDE because she never really left the world of Sophie and her Demivamps. She's also working on the next installment of her Demon Whisperer series.

Find out more when you visit www.ashkrafton.com

Blog: http://ash-krafton.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ashkrafton

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ashkraftonauthor

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/Ash_Krafton

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/demimondeash

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ash_krafton

Website: http://www.ashkrafton.com/

Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/b1w9p1

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Series Spotlight & Giveaway: Purgatory Reign by LM Preston

Release Day Blitz: Ditch Lane Diaries by D.F. Jones

Ditch Lane Diaries

One-Volume Collection

D.F. Jones

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Angels and Demons,

Metaphysical and Visionary, Fantasy Angels

Publisher: Jones Media

Date of Publication: 2/07/17

Number of Pages: 635

Word Count: 220,913

ASIN: B01NAPBI0A 

Cover Artist: Amanda Northcutt

Jones Media

Book Description:

Angels and Demons Collide in the Ditch Lane Diaries

The Ditch Lane Diaries One-Volume Collection, includes Ruby's Choice, Anna's Way, and Sandy's Story, follow three best friends from college to adulthood while navigating life's journey, true loves and supernatural powers bestowed by The Creator as The Chosen to fight in a six-thousand angelic war between good and evil.

A Prophetic Dreamer, a Divine Healer, and a Soul Reader.

The Ditch Lane Diaries follows three childhood friends from college to adulthood.

An afternoon adventure uncovers a hidden room and mysterious stones in Campbell Ridge cave unlocking their supernatural powers.

The prophetic dreamer, Ruby's Choice is a coming of age tale of firsts including the angst of falling in love. Ruby’s Choice introduces the main characters of the story while adding a splash of paranormal.

Anna's Way is the second installment of The Ditch Lane Diaries. Anna is a healer, and one of The Chosen Wards of The Creator.

However, Anna learns quick that true love doesn't come in a nice and neat package. She is in love with Jerry but when she decides to go away to medical school things change.

In Anna's Way, the Ditch Lane Diaries characters evolve with adult problems. She meets her guardian angel, Ralph, who teaches Anna how to use her gift to help others without drawing attention to herself. Anna's friendships and true love is the tie that binds them together while facing supernatural battles against the master of all evil.

The clairvoyant, Sandy's Story is the last book of the Ditch Lane Diaries. The fast-paced, gripping thriller keeps the reader on edge, and the pages turning.

Investigative reporter, Sandy Cothran follows a murder lead on Music Row which uncovers Luc's Testament along with a string of related crimes.

Sandy's guardian angel, Baldric is sworn to protect her but finds himself falling in love with Sandy which breaks all the rules of heaven and places her in grave danger because Luc is waiting in the wings on his given moment to pounce.

The Wards of Campbell Ridge fight with Heaven's Warrior Angels in an epic supernatural battle against Luc and his demons to save one of The Chosen.

Amazon

$2.99 Special Pricing During Release Week!

Readers Are Saying:

"The Ditch Lane Diaries series has it all and is easily one of my favorites! I am a forever fan of D.F. Jones! If you like drama, romance, betrayal, demons, angels, secrets, magical powers, and jealousy, then this book is for you!!!"

"The Ditch Lane Diaries satiated the starving bookworm in me!"

"I'll just say that if I were an angel, this book would have me sprinkling love dust all over the place. High five DF Jones. Remarkable Read!"

"Grab some tissues for this heart-pounding, pulse-racing series!"

Signed Paperbacks are available to purchase online through www.DFJonesAuthor.com or

order books online through most major booksellers.

Ditch Lane Diaries: One-Volume Collection http://a.co/hJpquqQ

Ruby’s Choice (Ditch Lane Diaries 1) http://a.co/7vMe51Q

Anna’s Way (Ditch Lane Diaries 2) http://a.co/budztaQ

Sandy’s Story (Ditch Lane Diaries 3)  http://a.co/6tC8NE4

Antique Mirror, a Halloween Short Story:  http://a.co/hUgWQbo

 Excerpt from Ruby’s Choice book one of the Ditch Lane Diaries

Ruby sat close to Reed on the drive back to Murfreesboro. There was a wintry chill in the air, and the promise of snow lurked in the late October sky. The two-lane highway had double yellow lines with no shoulder. As they approached the stretch of the road called Dead Man’s Curve, Ruby looked up a second too late to see a deer run out of the woods and dart into the highway in front of Reed’s car.

“Reed, watch out!” she screamed.

 Reed was driving too fast to react and tried slamming on his brakes, but he hit the deer. That was when everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Ruby heard the brakes screech and smelled burning rubber. She heard the violent crunch of metal as the car skidded in the gravel toward the ditch. She felt as if they were slowly floating through the air—and then, all at once, everything sped up, as Ruby heard the deafening grind of metal, and the car flipped on its side. Ruby’s head hit the windshield, and then there was nothing.

****

Reed woke to a coppery taste in his mouth and the smell of burnt rubber and antifreeze. His head ached with intense pain. It took about a second for him to remember what had happened. He looked down and found Ruby pinned underneath him. His car was flipped over on the passenger side. A surge of adrenaline pumped through his body as he lifted himself off Ruby and gently shook her.

Reed lifted her from the floorboard and held her in his arms. “Ruby, honey, wake up. Are you okay?” There was no movement from her. He screamed, “Ruby, baby, can you hear me? Please wake up, Ruby!” His hands shook as he felt for her pulse. Thank you, sweet Jesus! She’s alive!

People screamed from somewhere outside, from the sound, there must’ve been at least a dozen people at the scene. He heard sirens in the distance as people approached the car.

Brent yelled, “Reed, help is coming. We’re going to try and place the vehicle upright. Can you hold on to something?”

Reed braced himself with one arm so he wouldn’t fall on Ruby. With his other arm, he tried to secure her next to him, gently, so she wouldn’t hit the dash when the others flipped the car upright.

Brent hollered, “On the count of three: One! Two! Three!”

The car flipped upright and bounced like a buggy. Reed cradled Ruby in his arms.

Brent opened the driver’s side door and started to pull Reed out. Reed screamed, “Wait. I’m not leaving Ruby. Has anyone called an ambulance?”

 Reed glanced up to see the distraught look on Brent’s face when Brent first noticed Ruby. And then Brent fell backward, nearly falling. Ruby lay unconscious, almost lifeless in Reed’s arms.

Brent regained his balance by placing his hand on the roof of the car. His voice quivered, “Reed, I can see the ambulance lights now. The state trooper is here. Hey man, you’re bleeding pretty badly.”

Nearing the brink of hysteria, Reed cried, “Jesus, I don’t care about me. I care about her. I’m staying here with her.”

Someone handed Brent a couple of blankets, and his hands shook when he gave them to Reed. Brent said, “You need to place this one over Ruby and the other one around you. The paramedics are here.”

Equipped with two gurneys, one for Reed and the other for Ruby, the paramedics pulled Reed from the car. He begged, “Please get Ruby first. I’m okay. Get Ruby out of the car.” Reed was out of his mind with worry. He tried to punch one of the paramedics as they were pulling him from the wreckage. He screamed and cried out, “Ruby! I’m here, darling! I’m not leaving you, baby! I’m right here!”

 Ruby lay unconscious.

Excerpt from Anna’s Way book two of the Ditch Lane Diaries

Jerry was the first-person Anna saw when she walked into the Glenn’s house. He leaned against the stairwell with his arms crossed over his chest wearing a navy-blue suit and black shirt. Jerry’s eyes locked with Anna’s. The molecules in the air charged with electricity, kicking up a furor of fire flooding Anna with the warmth of his love.

Jerry’s face lit with a smile, and it felt like seeing the sun for the first time in years. Her pulse raced, and her fingertips tingled with power. Anna swiftly looked around the room and didn’t see any sign of Rachel.

Anna made a beeline to Jerry. “I need to talk to you, alone. I have no idea how because Rachel pops up everywhere. Will you please talk to me in private?”

Jerry leaned close to her ear and whispered, “When and where?”

Anna sighed with relief. That was all she needed to hear. “Sandy intends to feed Rachel cocktails and suggest she go outside to smoke. We might have a few minutes then, okay?” Jerry’s eyes turned a shade darker. He undressed her with his eyes, and she trembled, leaving her knees feeling weak. She grabbed onto his hand and held it tight. “I feel the same way about you.”

Anna noticed Rachel walking out of the kitchen. She quickly turned to Brent, who was talking to George and Lizzie. Anna placed her arm around Brent’s waist.

Brent smiled down at Anna and circled his arm around her waist. He whispered, “Are we playing a game?” Anna nodded.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Jerry tensed and his jaw muscles clenched. She looked down, and Jerry’s right hand balled up into a fist. Hot dog. Jerry’s jealous.

As the afternoon wore on, the neighbors and church folk began to leave until the only people left were the Glenn family and a few family friends, including Brent, Sandy, Jerry, Rachel, and Anna.

Sandy plied Rachel with cocktails all afternoon. Sandy winked and nodded to Anna when she led Rachel outside to the backyard. It was show-time. Anna whirled around the room and spotted Jerry near the front door watching her. Anna nodded, and he walked up the stairs. Anna glanced across the backyard once more and made a mad dash up the stairs. She made the top step and started down the hallway when Jerry opened Ruby’s old bedroom door and pulled her inside.

Anna threw her arms around his neck, and he circled her waist. Searching his eyes, she said, “I don’t need a man to complete me. I need love to complete me, and it’s the love I have for you that makes me whole. I’ve made a ton of mistakes, but there’s one thing I know for sure. You, Jerry Douglas McDaniel, are the love of my life.”

Jerry held her face with both hands. “All it took was one look into your eyes, and I knew I was still crazy for you, all of you, and I can’t go another minute without making you mine.”

Anna’s eyes widened with surprise. “What are you saying?”

Jerry brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand. “I didn’t sleep last night. All I could do was think about you, about us. I don’t have any proof, but I think Rachel may have deleted your messages and thrown away your letters. I didn’t think you loved me anymore, Anna. I can’t marry Rachel. God forgive me. I don’t mean to hurt Rachel, but I don’t love her. I love you. I always have.”

Jerry leaned in only inches from her face. The warmth of his sweet breath and the spicy scent of his cologne made it hard for her to breathe. His loving eyes searched hers, saying everything and nothing. Anna’s adrenaline kicked in high gear. The clarity she had at this moment was razor sharp.

An emotional force unleashed between them as Jerry’s warm lips made contact with hers, and they slammed against the wall. His lips were gentle and rough, alternating between kissing and sucking her top and bottom lips. His tongue licked the corners of her mouth, and he gently traced the outline of her lips before he plunged inside. His knee pushed between her thighs, and her heart skipped a beat
            Jerry scooped her up in his arms, carried her over to Ruby’s bed, and lay her down. He traced his fingers along her jawline, down her neck to the swell of her breasts. Jerry pulled back slightly, looking at her as if she were a lost treasure he had just found. He covered her with a blanket of kisses and gently ran his hand over her breast and squeezed, and she stopped him.

“Jerry, we can’t do this, not here in the Glenn’s house. As bad as I want to make love to you right now, I can’t. I love and respect them.”

Jerry brushed his fingers over her cheek. “Anna, I’m sorry. The long and short of it is, I damn well near died when you left. But now I feel like my heart is going to explode with happiness. I don’t want to let you go.” Anna choked back her tears and reached up to run her fingers through his thick hair.

Jerry kissed her again. “I’m sorry, Anna. I should’ve never agreed to marry Rachel. It wasn’t fair to her or you. Will you forgive me? I know you may think I’m nuts, but let’s run away. I want you to run away with me. I’ve always wanted to marry you. Always. Will you run away with me?”

Anna kissed him hard and hugged him with all her strength. “In a Tennessee heartbeat, I will. I’m staying at Ruby’s. What time will you come for me?”

He rolled onto his side, propped on his elbow. “I’m not sure yet. It could be late. Will you wait for me? I promise I’ll be there. I have to tell Rachel, and it’s going to get real ugly.”

Anna couldn’t take her eyes off his face. “Yes, I’ll wait for you. I’ll be ready. If you like, I could go with you to talk to Rachel.”

Jerry pulled her on top of him and ran his hand down the curve of her spine. “Bad idea.

She’s jealous about everything, especially you. It’s my mess, and I’ll clean it up. I have to go. Rachel will be looking for me, and I don’t want to create a scene here. I love you, Annabelly.” They sat on the side of the bed. He hugged her again. “Is this real? Are you really here with me?”

She gently touched the side of his face. “I’m here.”

Jerry walked to the door. He cracked it open and paused before he strode back over, pulled her up into his arms, and kissed her one last time. “Damn, I missed you.” Then he left, leaving her standing next to the bed. Her heart hammered faster than a horse running the Kentucky Derby.

Anna pressed her fingers to her lips. She couldn’t believe it. Jerry was coming for her tonight. Anna stepped over to Ruby’s vanity, picked up a hairbrush, and began to brush her hair. She opened a tube of coral lipstick and applied it to her lips.

Anna went over to the door and peeked outside. She didn’t see anyone, so she quickly walked down the hall and into the bathroom.

Anna’s skin flushed pink. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what she had been doing. Anna began to breathe in and out slowly to settle her racing pulse. She looked around the drawers in the cabinets until she found Lee’s makeup case. Anna tried to make herself presentable before she went back downstairs.

Anna had waited for ten minutes before she descended the stairs. On the bottom step, Sandy grabbed her hand and dragged her outside. Anna followed Sandy around the back of the house. Sandy stopped and turned to face her.

Sandy threw her hands in the air in apparent frustration. “Have you lost your mind?

Excerpt from Sandy’s Story book three of the Ditch Lane Diaries

Luc’s Testament held the keys she needed to bring down his network in more places than Nashville. Sandy had enough ammunition to disrupt Luc’s empire on earth. She held the power in her hands. Sandy wrapped the large book with a black velvet cloth and secured it with a leather strap.

Sandy felt weighed down by Luc’s Testament as if she carried an enormous burden on her back while walking slowly to her Corvette. She placed the book in the back storage with her Ditch Lane Diaries master copy, then slid behind the wheel and cranked up the engine. A stern Baldric appeared in the passenger seat, arms crossed and jaw clenched.

“You can’t stay mad at me anymore. You’re right. Luc’s Testament has enormous power and contains everything we need to bring him down. Nailing Cole Steele will be a bonus. Before we head out to Everglade Farms, I need to stop at the library and make copies of the pages mentioning Cole. I’ll keep the original book with me.” Sandy grabbed Baldric by the face and kissed him on the mouth.

Flames of desire shot up her spine as the kiss lengthened, and she melted into Baldric’s strong arms. Sandy gazed at him through heavy lids, and a slow smile came to her lips. “You have sparkles floating in the air all around you. Golden sparkles. What is that?”

“Don’t ask or we won’t make it to the library or Everglade Farms, and I’m already in deep enough waters with Seneca.” Baldric held her hand and kissed her fingertips.

Sandy turned up her CD player and began to rock back and forth to the music from Electric Light Orchestra. She teased him and sang out the words, “You like me, you love me, you want some more of me.” She giggled and pulled out onto the highway.

“You’re some kind of woman.” He laughed.

“Yup, the kind that wants some.” Baldric’s response to her kiss made her heart flutter with excitement. It was the middle of February, and her palms were sweating.

Everglade was thirty miles south of Nashville. Driving down I-65, Sandy’s thoughts raced back to Luc’s Testament. She’d followed leads on Cole for months. Not a single solitary soul would even speak to her off the record. Everyone was scared to death of him. But with the book in her trunk, Sandy had all the answers she needed to nail Cole to the wall and couldn’t wait until her segment hit the airwaves.

About the Author:

After graduating Middle Tennessee State University, I landed a job as a broadcast consultant at the ABC Affiliate in Nashville, which led me to open an advertising agency. Over the years, I created many campaigns for my clients and still enjoy developing marketing materials.

However, in December of 2010, I became my parent's caregiver. There’s nothing quite like facing mortality to shake up one’s life. I began my writing my first novel in the late Fall of 2014.

Writing is a source of creative expression but also releases stress. I know many authors that would disagree with me. But writing takes me to a place where anything is possible, and fiction takes me to places made of dreams.

I’m happily married to the love of my life and my best friend, KJ. We have two gorgeous sons whom I love and adore more than life itself. I love to laugh, and my husband keeps me in stitches! I’m a fan of the Tennessee Titans. And I like getting my hands dirty. Okay, get your mind out of the gutter. I like working in my flower gardens.

Register for the newsletter and get a free book, information on new releases, contests and updates go to http://dfjonesauthor.com/register-for-updates/   

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Series Spotlight & Interview: The Warriors of Lemuria by Rosalie Redd

Untouchable Lover

Warriors of Lemuria

Book One

Rosalie Redd

Genre: Paranormal romance

Date of Publication: January 2, 2016

ISBN: 9781944419004

ASIN: B019ZVIC8G

Number of pages: 400

Word Count: 86,000

Cover Artist: Melody Simmons

Book Description:

Forbidden love. Untouchable…

King Noeh wants to live his single life, fight his enemy, and honor his goddess by winning the war over Earth’s most precious resource—water. Bonding to a female shifter is not part of the plan, not until his goddess insists he take a queen by the next full moon or lose his crown. When he rescues a beautiful female from the enemy’s grasp, a forbidden attraction blooms, and he must decide between his kingdom and his heart.

Melissa hunts for a new place she can call home, one far away from her controlling master who vowed to make her his concubine. Captured by the enemy and tortured to near death, she’s rescued by a brooding, handsome king. When her master shows up at the king’s underground Keep, the tension escalates. She struggles to keep the honorable king at arm’s length, but she can’t ignore the compelling desire he ignites in her soul.

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Excerpt 1:

“You escaped. Perhaps I should put you in the dungeon.” Noeh’s voice was low and threatening. The resulting shiver that skated across her arms wasn’t from fear.

She wanted to pound her fists against his body. “I’ll just pick my way out of there, too.”

“Don’t bet on it.”

He stood. Against her will, her body responded to his intense stare. He headed straight for her, a wall of pure, masculine strength.

 She stilled as he approached. Without thought, she squeezed the wet rag in her hand. Water dripped onto the exam table. The stone was slightly concave, and the moisture ran into a small groove down the center.

He placed his palms on the surface of the table and leaned in. Up close and personal, he invaded her space as if he had every right.

“I don’t usually have trouble with disobedience, but you…” His eyes glowed, gold flecks mixing with the blue.

She met his gaze and didn’t flinch. “I think you like the challenge.”

The skin around his eyes creased as a smile broke across his face. “You might be right about that.”

Unforgettable Lover

Warriors of Lemuria

Novella

Rosalie Redd

Genre: Paranormal romance

Date of Publication: March 2016

ISBN: 9781944419028

ASIN: B01A2JDJM4

Number of pages: 155

Word Count: 33k

Cover Artist: Melody Simmons

Book Description:

The Betram ritual, when the full moon occurs on the summer solstice, is a sexual rite—and a requirement—for all unbonded Stiyaha of age. The irresistible urge to mate drives their inner beasts. Some succumb and transform, while others hide behind masks. None can escape the compelling need.

For Leonna, Betram offers one night of freedom from a destiny she doesn’t want. Eager to participate, she’s drawn to a formidable male whose tenderness burrows into her soul. Despite discovering she’s below his status, she is caught up in their passionate frenzy, and loses her heart to a male she can never have.

Though reluctant, as an unbonded male, Prince Nicholai must participate in the Betram ritual. Because he fears harming anyone he gets close to, he dons his mask and vows to stay in human form. What he doesn’t expect is the intensity of his hunger for a certain honeyed female hidden behind a disguise. As much as he longs to forget her, he can’t, for she’s unforgettable.

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Excerpt:

Murmurs from the crowd picked up. Titters of ‘Prince’ and ‘Nicholai’ were clear, even above the din.

She picked up brush after brush, trying to contain her mess. With her one good hand, she scooped as many as she could back into her container.

“He’s moving faster, coming our way.”

Two more brushes and she put the cup back on her short table. Her rapid breaths fueled the adrenaline that surged through her body.

“Very nice. Is this yours?” Nicholai’s deep voice resonated into her chest.

As she tried to calm herself, his unique scent of cloves and rain filled her lungs. Melting on the inside, she remembered all that he was, all that he’d done to her. She refused to look at him for fear he’d recognize her.

“Y…Yes.” She managed to get the words out, but they were husky, strained.

“You have a nice eye for detail. Have you other paintings?” He stepped closer to inspect her canvas. She caught a glimpse of his profile. His high cheekbones and aquiline nose exemplified his handsome features. He turned toward her.

She caught her breath. Those deep blue eyes were the ones she remembered, the ones she’d imagined in her dreams the past couple of nights. His brow furrowed, and she realized she hadn’t answered his question.

“I do. Have more paintings.” She turned toward her stack of completed pictures, but knocked the cup of brushes off the table.

Like twigs upon the rocks, they bounced and jogged before coming to rest on the stone floor. “I’m…sorry.” She bent down to pick them up—again.

He lowered himself on one knee and picked up a handful of brushes. Just as she reached for one, he did as well. His finger ran along hers, lighting up the skin along their connection.

Untamable Lover

Warriors of Lemuria

Book 2

Rosalie Redd

Genre: Paranormal romance

Date of Publication: May 2016

ISBN: 9781944419066

ASIN: B01CIZMJDK

Number of pages: 320

Word Count: 73k

Cover Artist: Melody Simmons

Book Description:

Submit…or lose him forever.

As alpha of the feline shifters, Demir will do whatever is necessary to protect his kind. When his independent and headstrong second in command takes on a dangerous solo mission for revenge, he goes to her aid. As they battle the enemy, not only must he must fight his internal demons, but also his desire to claim her as his mate.

Battle-hardened Aramie leads a band of female warriors to search for the sacred blue sunstone. The unthinkable happens and she spirals into a frenzied need for vengeance to avenge her loved one’s death. She hunts for the killer while Demir’s life is on the line, and she must decide—submit to him as his mate, or lose him forever.

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Excerpt:

Demir tensed. A healing stone? Was it possible? A tiny drop of hope weaseled its way into his chest.

Sidea inhaled and let out a slow breath. “With Demir back, you won’t have to fight the males anymore. Even though our species heals fast, I hate to see you get injured defending your role as interim leader.”

He fought against the invisible bonds, straining, kicking in his mind. In his condition, he couldn’t lead, and because he still lived, Aramie wasn’t officially Pride leader. His gut twisted into a tight knot. He’d put her in an awkward position, and he hated himself for it.

“I need to finish.” Aramie’s voice returned to a normal volume.

The chair creaked as she settled in her spot next to his bed. Tools clinked together. Cool metal caressed the skin on his cheeks.

Snip-snip.

Small tendrils of hair fell onto his cheek, tickling his skin. He relaxed again under her care. His mind reeled through a storm of confusion, but he couldn’t pinpoint its source. All he knew was a welcoming peace at her touch.

“I’ll see you in the Grand Hall.” Sidea’s words hung in the air.

Her soft footsteps retreated across the floor. The door clicked shut.

“I wish you would talk to me, tell me what I should do.” Aramie caressed the hair around his mouth, wiping away the stray strands she’d clipped. Her finger circled his diamond stud above the hairline of his lip.

He wanted to grab her wrists, make her stop, and part of him was glad he couldn’t. All his adult life he’d avoided physical contact. Even with Eleanor, his deceased mate, he’d controlled when and how she touched him. To have Aramie touch him now, in such a personal way, beat against his spirit, reinforcing his weakness.

“The males only follow my command in deference to you.” Her voice contained a small hitch.

The flat end of the scissors rubbed against his skin. With gentle care her fingers glided over his upper lip, and he wanted to lick her, taste her skin on his tongue. Her attention to him teased his nerves, increasing his yearning. He’d gone from relaxed to being enticed in a matter of moments. In his mind, his cat howled in frustration.

“Sidea and I will find Blue Pool, find the healing stone. I won’t stop until we do.”

A drop of wetness splashed on his chin, and she wiped it away. Why did the females cry over him? Had she gone soft? If he could, he’d tell her to suck it up. He’d chosen her as his second in command for a reason.

Metal clinked against metal. She must’ve put the scissors back on the tray. That meant she would leave him soon. His stomach clenched. Why did he care? The only females he’d ever cared about were Eleanor and Melissa.

Eleanor had been timid and submissive—a perfect mated female. She’d always done as he’d asked, and never once challenged his authority. Her beautiful smile and deep green eyes were as clear to him as the last time he’d seen her, over five hundred years ago when the great scourge had claimed her life. Bile rose in his throat. It seemed like only yesterday. 

Even though his lifespan was over two thousand years, he still had more time than not…or so he used to think. At this point, he wasn’t sure he had more than a few days left.

The memory of his mate reminded him of Melissa, who’d looked so like his Eleanor he’d obsessed over her. What a fool he’d been, pining for a female who didn’t want him. When she became pregnant with the king’s child, he’d lost his lucidity and threatened her. Aramie had interfered, commanding him to stop. He’d slapped his own warrior across the face for her insolence, but he’d let Melissa go.

After all he’d done, Aramie was here now, attending to his needs. I am such a shit.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She rose from her chair and padded to the door, lingering there for a moment. Her soft breaths sounded loud in the quiet room.

“Please come back to me,” she whispered.

She really doesn’t want to be Pride leader…

The door closed behind her, but the enchanting scent of strawberries lingered.

Unimaginable Lover

Warriors of Lemuria

Book 3

Rosalie Redd

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Date of Publication: 1/3/17

ISBN: 9781944419103

ASIN: B01N7K0PCU

Number of pages: 290

Word Count: 67k

Cover Artist: Melody Simmons

Book Description:

A shifter and a human together? Unimaginable…

One careless decision. The colony betrayed. Tanen’s only course is a desperate hunt for justice, but his solo mission is cut short when he’s mortally wounded. Rescued by a sweet, innocent woman, he can’t deny the passion that burns between them. Now he must choose between his duty and honor or his desire for the precious, but forbidden, human female.

Broken promises and ruined love hardened Sheri’s heart. When she finds an injured and extraordinarily sexy man on her property, she’s pulled into a world she never imagined. As she nurses him back to health and they bond over their love of books, she’s torn between the lessons she learned from her rough past and the need to seek solace in Tanen’s arms, but she must learn to trust him, and herself, in order to survive.

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Excerpt:

Movement caught her attention. A dark form slumped against the far wall.

She inhaled and took a step back.

The man groaned louder.

“Who are you? What are you doing in my shed?”

The only sound, his labored breaths and her own heartbeat.

She emboldened her tone with as much confidence as she could. “You’re trespassing. I’m calling the police.”

“No…don’t.” His words were short, strained, yet the tenor of his voice weaseled its way into the deepest recesses of her soul, calling to her. The sensation warmed her insides. She held her breath.

He moaned again. His dark form moved.

Her medical training kicked in and she had the urge to rush to his side, help him, but she remained wary. “Are you injured? Should I call an ambulance?”

“Is it dark outside?” His strained voice carried across the small space.

A strange desire to hear him speak again washed over her. She fisted her hand. “What difference does it make if it’s dark outside? If you’re injured, you need help.”

“Please, tell me…is it,” a quick intake of breath, “…dark yet?”

The cultured way he spoke made her still. His accent was one she’d never heard. Sweat broke out on the back of her neck, dampening her collar. He seemed in pain, but she wasn’t sure. Her curiosity warred with her fear, and she wavered between barricading herself in her house with Coop and rushing to aid him. Instead, she remained fixed in place.

“It’s dusk.” She choked the words out, her throat tightening from her confusion.

He leaned his head against the wall. She couldn’t see his features, but from his outline, she could tell he was a large man. “Don’t…fear me. I’ll leave…soon…dark.” His words washed over her again, stroking her insides.

With a quick move, he stood. A stifled groan eased from his lips, and he rested his shoulder against the wall.

She took a step back. It took all of her inner strength not to run.

Coop growled.

Something wet dripped onto the wooden floor, the rhythmic splashes an eerie omen.

“Craya.” He tipped over, his body sliding down the wall until he landed on the floor.

“Stay, Coop.” Without a second thought, she raced to his side.

This close, the dim light was enough to see his features. Rough stubble on his chiseled jaw accentuated his luscious lips and broad nose, but what caught her attention was the intensity in his eyes. His gaze swept across her features, reading her, assessing her…devouring her. Warmth spread through her and she had the sudden urge to curl up to him, find out if his lips were as delectable as they appeared. Her cheeks heated, and she shook her head to clear her thoughts.

She peered at his clothing. Blood stained his jacket, or what was left of it. Tattered and torn, the ragged material clung from his wide shoulders. His narrow hips led to muscular legs. He wore an odd pair of trousers that looked hand-made.

With a quick tilt of his head, he glanced at her. “Don’t…touch me.”

Her training kicked in and she brought out her mother nurse side. “You’re injured and need help. I’m a nurse. Let me assess you.”

His gaze narrowed, the intensity in his eyes focusing on her.

Her heart skipped a beat, but not from fear.

He tried to stand again, but failed and gripped his chest with his free hand. “I have to…leave.”

“The only way you’re going anywhere is in an ambulance. Let me get my phone.” She turned to go, needing to get help on the way as soon as possible.

He gripped her arm, stopping her flight.

Heat and something more, something sensual and powerful flowed between them.

“No!” The word was a low command.

Despite she knew nothing about this man her body responded to his order, her nipples peaking beneath her shirt. Her mind raced. Why did she react to him this way?

 She glanced from his face to his hand and back again. He released her, and fell forward, his palm slapping against the wooden floor. “I’m s…sorry. No infirmary.”

Infirmary? That’s an odd word. She blinked. “You need medical attention. A hospital is where you belong—” 

She stilled. Blood drained from her face. What if he’s a criminal?

Coop rubbed against her leg. His chest rumbled.

The man’s nostrils flared, and his intense gaze locked onto hers. “Don’t fear. I’m not a danger to you.”

She took a step back, toward the exit. “Are you running from the law?”

A deprecating chuckle eased from his throat then was cut short. As he inhaled, his lungs wheezed. “Not in the way you think.”

“But you are running.”

“I…I need to go.” He rose once again, but couldn’t maintain his balance.

She caught him before he fell. Even with her big bone structure, his weight was almost more than she could bear. “You’re not going anywhere in this condition. You’re coming inside with me, so I can take a look at you. Then, we’ll talk about an ambulance. Okay?”

His nod was all the confirmation she needed.

About the Author:

After finishing a rewarding career in finance and accounting, it was time for Rosalie Redd to put away the spreadsheets and take out the word processor. The award-winning author pens paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy romance in her office cave located in Oregon, where rain is just another excuse to keep writing.

http://www.rosalieredd.com

https://www.facebook.com/rosaliereddauthor

https://twitter.com/RosalieRedd

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34148783-rosalie-redd

https://www.pinterest.com/rosalieredd/

https://www.amazon.com/author/rosalieredd

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosalie-redd



***

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

Oh, boy. I’m a big time planner. I plot out my story from start to finish, including creating character sketches and details for each scene. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the length of the story and whether my characters cooperate.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Absolutely! Sometimes I want to take them down a certain path and they put up a fight. Recently, I had to rewrite a scene three times because the hero wouldn’t cooperate. I finally gave in and let him have his way.

What is your favourite food?

Frozen chocolate yogurt and broccoli, not together. :)

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Hands down, a morning person. I get up at 4:45am four days a week and head to my local Jazzercise for the 5:35am class. I’d go crazy without my exercise!

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I’d love to go to New Zealand. A friend of my biked through the country and showed me pictures. I was hooked after that.

Do distant places feature in your books?

If you count off-world, then yes. Several scenes in my Warriors of Lemuria series take place on Lemuria, a planet somewhere in the Orion constellation. It’s a wonderful place where the people live in large communities built within the trees mainly to avoid the Rhondo beasts that roam the planet’s surface. He, he, he…

Do you listen to music while writing?

I do. I have a constant stream of new age music in the background while I’m writing. I’d love to listen to something I can sing along with, but then, I’d sing instead of write, and that’s no good.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

My latest release is Unimaginable Lover, book 3 in my Warriors of Lemuria series. It’s about a shifter and a human that must overcome their own prejudice, fear, and insecurities in order to discover love.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

Is there anything you would do differently?

When you look in the rearview mirror, there are always things you wish you’d done differently. Should’a, could’a, would’a. You can’t change the past, so I try not to dwell on it.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

My father introduced me to many of the classic science fiction and fantasy authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, J.R.R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, and Mary Shelley, just to name a few. I love the detailed descriptions so many of these early authors introduced me to and that had a big impact on my own stories.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Keep at it, and don’t give up. Take classes, learn the craft, join critique groups, but most of all have fun and share your stories.

What are three words that describe you?

Persistent, dedicated, resilient.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

My favorite author is J.R. Ward. So love the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yum!

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

Here is the blurb from Unimaginable Lover – release date January 3, 2017.

A shifter and a human together? Unimaginable…

One careless decision. The colony betrayed. Tanen’s only course is a desperate hunt for justice, but his solo mission is cut short when he’s mortally wounded. Rescued by a sweet, innocent woman, he can’t deny the passion that burns between them. Now he must choose between his duty and honor or his desire for the precious, but forbidden, human female.

Broken promises and ruined love hardened Sheri’s heart. When she finds an injured and extraordinarily sexy man on her property, she’s pulled into a world she never imagined. As she nurses him back to health and they bond over their love of books, she’s torn between the lessons she learned from her rough past and the need to seek solace in Tanen’s arms, but she must learn to trust him, and herself, in order to survive.

List of previous books if any

Untouchable Lover, book 1 – Warriors of Lemuria series
Untamable Lover, book 2 – Warriors of Lemuria series
Unforgettable Lover, stand alone novella – Warriors of Lemuria series

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

Facebook author: https://www.facebook.com/rosaliereddauthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RosalieRedd
Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34148783-rosalie-redd
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosalieredd/
Website:  http://www.rosalieredd.com
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/rosalieredd
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosalie-redd


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