DEADLY ENCOUNTERS SERIES! SALE! RAFFLECOPTER!

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Killer Secrets

Deadly Encounters Book 1

by
Zia Westfield

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller 

With bills to pay, an orphaned niece to raise and her job on the line,
Gemma Fitzgibbons needs a front-page story in order to keep her job.
A serial killer and a corrupt detective, whose father was accused of
corruption, offer headline possibilities, but when she confronts Jack
Donahue, the detective is nothing like she expected.

Jack considers reporters to be bottom-feeders, and deep into the
investigation of a series of murders in which the victim is posed
with a wedding veil, he doesn’t have the time or inclination to
delve into the scandal that ruined his father’s career. But Gemma
won’t take no for an answer. Neither will she stop investigating
the Wedding Veil Killer. When she attracts the attention of the
killer, Jack is assigned to keep her safe. But Gemma isn’t about to
hide away. She intends to use the leads she’s developed to help him
track down the person responsible for the gruesome murders.

Torn between his dislike of reporters and his admiration for the smart,
sexy, reporter he’s drawn deeper into the scandal in his father’s
past–a scandal that someone will kill to keep hidden.

But, when Gemma uncovers secrets about the scandal, and her life is
threatened, Jack is determined to protect her. It’s also time to
make a choice–leave the past buried or fight for the future.

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Killer Lies

Deadly Encounters Book 2

Kelsey Tremayne’s life unraveled in the summer of her 16th year when she
and a friend were abducted. She came out of the experience alive, but
without memories of her abduction and her friend was never found.
Rumors that she’d killed her friend in jealousy, and that she was
mentally unstable, started and eventually her parents moved her away
from Carville. Now, she’s back in Carville to settle her aunt’s
estate. However, someone is watching her, playing with her mind.
Could it even escalate to murder? 

One man is willing to stand by her, protect her, and breach the barriers
that have guarded her heart for so long.

Sam Carmichael stays focused on the job and keeps his personal
interactions limited. The emotional instability of his wife and her
subsequent suicide have made him leery of getting deeply involved
with anyone. Even so, someone is targeting Kelsey Tremayne and the
roots go back twelve years to an abduction that was never solved. As
Sam is drawn deeper into the case, he can’t help admiring Kelsey’s
strength and compassion and he vows to do everything he can to find
the truth and bring her kidnapper to justice.

Can two people hurt by their pasts survive a criminal’s web to find a
future together?

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Killer Deceptions

Deadly Encounters Book 3

Angie Rossi is a first grade teacher with a large Italian family that is
about to celebrate her grandparents’ fiftieth anniversary at a
resort in the snowy Catskill Mountains of New York. She’s wrangled
her neighbor into playing her date for the weekend. Only, when she
opens the door she finds Joe Vanetti, a nemesis from her childhood,
ready to be her escort.

Joe Vanetti is a cop intent on tracking down a jewel thief from his past.
He’s gotten word that his suspect will be at the hotel where
Angie’s grandparents are holding their celebration and where a
famous violinist with an equally famous emerald necklace is set to
perform. Joe persuades Angie to let him be her date. This Christmas
will be one neither will forget, assuming they live to see the day.

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Zia Westfield, Author

Zia Westfield creates suspenseful, exciting stories with romance at the
heart of them. There is nothing more thrilling than watching two
people fall in love despite the odds and the danger surrounding their
every move.

She makes her home in Tokyo with her husband and three sons. She holds a
full-time job, volunteers too much because she doesn't know how to
say "no," and generally finds peace.

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A NEW PROXY BRIDE -- A BRIDE FOR DALTON!

Here’s another book birthday! Please help me celebrate A BRIDE FOR DALTON, Proxy Brides book 25. I’m pleased to add another release to this popular multi-author series. Christine Sterling conceived the series and I believe there are about fifteen or so authors involved. Virginia McKevitt has created the covers. I love the image on this cover. Aren’t her eyes blue?

I laughed at some of the scenes in this book and hope readers will also. There are also tense scenes but I don’t want to give the plot away entirely. You already know the story ends with a happily-ever-after. 

About The Book

Rebecca wants a husband but not the man her stepbrother/guardian insists she wed. To escape his serious threats she turns to a family friend for help. Reverend McClain suggests she enter a proxy marriage to his only living relative, a nephew who ranches in Montana. Out of options, she agrees. Until she arrives in Sweet Springs, she has no idea the telegram with instructions to her supposed groom has not been delivered. Where does that leave her?

Dalton is working with dangerous men to accomplish his goal. Even though he’s been lonely, the last thing he needs at this time is a wife in the way. He’s a gentleman and sees no other solution than to complete the vows. How is he going to keep Rebecca out of harm’s way while he completes this job?

Rebecca and Dalton embark on married life in unusual circumstances. Can love blossom in tumultuous times?

The universal link to the book is http://getbook.at/Dalton

Pre-Order Problems

By the way, some who preordered the book won’t receive it without re-ordering. Amazon inadvertently listed the book twice and some preorders went to one listing and some to the other. When one of the listings was deleted, so were the preorders for that one.

Excerpt

Back at the barn, he told her, “Wait where you are until I can help you.”

She bristled a bit. “I can get down by myself, Dalton.”

“I know you can but can you stand up when you do?” He helped her dismount.

She wobbled and held on to him. “Oh, my, I see what you mean. My legs don’t want to support me.”

“Stand there a few seconds until your legs cooperate. In the meantime, I’ll take advantage of the situation.” He kissed her several times and she responded with equal measure. His enthusiasm increased and he wondered if she’d agree to cavorting on the hay.

Bert’s voice cut in, “Can’t leave you two alone, can I? Leave your horses to me and go on up to the house if you’ve a mind for that kind of thing.”

Dalton grabbed her hand and, laughing together, they ran toward the house.

 Reader Appreciation Event

You have until the 14^th to enter for prizes and chit chat. The event and schedule can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/2422613808007816/

THE ALPHA NANNY BY REMY MARIE

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The Alpha Nanny

by
Remy Marie

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

She needs money. He masks his pain. Life gives them a second chance, but
reality may tear them apart.

Deena Zheng is in over her head. With her father’s mounting medical
bills, a townhome in disrepair, and more stress than one person
should bear, she does all that she can do to stay afloat. Out of
options and desperate to pull her family out of the red, she must get
out of her comfort zone and accept a nanny position with her firm’s
notoriously impossible client or risk her family’s livelihood.

Jesse Grant struggles to get past his grief after losing the love of his
life. Ever since her death, the billionaire hedge fund manager has
used alcohol to mask his pain and, in the process, lost a part of
himself. With a young son to raise and a business to run, he must
pull himself together before he jeopardizes everything he’s worked
so hard to build.

When they meet, the physical attraction is undeniable, but their personal
demons and new professional relationship will make any hopes of
pursuing a relationship too complicated for either to handle.Will
they ignore their growing feelings for each other and keep their
relationship strictly professional or will outside forces force them
to reveal the truth?

“Deena, it’s good to see you, and with a handsome man too. Are you on a date? He looks like a keeper,” Mo Chou asked me in Mandarin.

This is the second time someone suggested Jesse and I be intimate with each other. He’s my boss and that’s it. However…

I glance back at Jesse and he still had a mile-long grin staring at me. It was weird watching him smile. In the short span that I’d known him, not once did he smile. Now, he hadn’t stopped smiling since he came to the house. There’s a certain glow when he smiles. It looks a lot like Lamar’s tiny grin.

“Mrs. Lee, he’s my boss. There’s nothing going on between us. We have come to dinner to discuss business. That’s it.” I replied back in Chinese.

“If a man looks the way he does at you, he only has one thing on his mind.”

“Mrs. Lee!”

“It’s the truth!” She stated in her native tongue. She then turned to Jesse and smiled. “Please excuse me. Deena is like a daughter to me and I haven’t seen her in a while. We were just catching up,” Mo Chou stated in English.

“That’s okay. I love your small restaurant. It shows a lot of history.” Jesse added looking around.

“Thank you. You can stop by anytime with or without Deena.”

“Mrs. Lee, stop it. I know what you’re doing.” I snapped in Chinese.

“If you’re not going to claim this hunk of a man then I will.” She quickly retorted in Chinese. “Right this way” she added in English leading us to a table in the back. I fought with every urge not to roll my eyes at her. Jesse looked back at me and grinned as if he knew what we were talking about.

Did he hear what Mrs. Lee said? No that’s impossible. He doesn’t speak Chinese.

However, the thought of him knowing our past conversation filled me with embarrassment.

Why does he have to be so damn good looking too? I wonder if Mrs. Lee would still push me towards him if he was ugly, four-foot-tall and had a peg leg? Who am I kidding? Of course, she would.

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Remy Marie is a romance author who loves to write about charming heroes
and brave heroines. While writing never came naturally for Remy, he
continued to strengthen his craft, by constantly reading and writing.
If he is not writing or reading, he is usually watching TV with his
supportive wife, aggressively cheering for his college and
professional sports teams, playing video games, or crunching numbers
at his daytime job.

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THE DUCHESS IN HIS BED BY LORRAINE HEATH

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The Duchess in His Bed

Sins For All Seasons Book 4

by
Lorraine Heath

Genre: Historical Romance 

For a duchess with practical desires, falling in love is 
an inconceivable part of her plan…

 As owner of the Elysium Club which caters to women’s fantasies, Aiden
Trewlove is accustomed to introducing adventurous ladies to sin and
vice. But he is uncharacteristically intrigued by the mysterious
beauty who visits his club one night, yearning to indulge in the
forbidden—with him. Drawn to her indomitable spirit, he breaks his
rule of never becoming personally involved with his clientele and is
determined to fully awaken her desires.

A recent widow, Selena Sheffield, Duchess of Lushing, has never known
passion, not until Aiden’s slow, sensual seduction leads her on a
journey of discovery and incredible pleasure. But her reasons for
visiting the notorious club are not all that they seem.

As Selena’s motives become complicated by love, she finds herself with
a most unexpected choice: forge ahead with a secret plan that could
secure her future—or follow her heart which could prove ruinous.

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Collins

Lorraine Heath, Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath always
dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of
Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases for a publicist,
articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. When
she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre,
but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and
rogues. She's been writing about them ever since. Her work has been
recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA(R).

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13 STEPS TO THE CELLAR!

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13 STEPS TO THE CELLAR
By
Teresa Mathews

Mystery

Date Published: September 4, 2019

Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

Thirteen Steps to the Cellar. They were steep; they were narrow—but was a fall down them enough to have caused the twenty-seven deep lacerations to her aunt’s head? 

Callie Harris travels from her home in Alabama to her aunt’s former mansion in Maine to unravel the haunting forty-year-old mystery of Dr. Laverne Harris Doss’ brutal death.

Why wasn’t a murder weapon found? Was her uncle justly convicted of the killing? Was his mistress involved? Or was the murderer the bearded stranger rumored to have arrived by train that night?

In the charming town of Richmond, located on the banks of Maine’s historic Kennebec River, Callie uncovers the community’s darkest secrets—a botched police investigation, a betrayed widow’s lie, a dead woman’s blackmail, and a wealthy philanthropist’s shame. The web of intrigue extends far beyond her suspicions and its connection to her personal story pierces Callie to her core.

Opening the door, Callie stumbled over a cardboard box. Catching her breath, she steadied herself. What is this? She stared at the lid. Written with a black marker...all caps...neat handwriting...large letters...the name CALLIE stretched across the top.

She picked it up and brought it inside. Placing the heavy box on the bed, she searched for something to cut the binding. Resorting to a nail file, she sawed through the twine. After a few seconds, she lifted the lid.

Taking a deep breath, she reached inside, pulling out a yellowed newspaper. Opening the folded daily, she read the header. Portland News. Scanning the front page, she found an article about her aunt’s murder. She placed it aside. Several copies of the Boston Globe featured the homicide in bold headlines and included pictures of the crime scene and mansion. Callie unloaded the box filled with timeworn newspapers, clippings, and magazines—all relating to Laverne.

With her heart racing, she picked up the phone and called her brother. Bypassing a greeting, she said, “Richard, get Kenneth on a three-way call. You guys won’t believe what I have here.”

“Hold on. I’ll see if I can get him on his cell.” Spreading the articles across the bed, Callie put her phone on speaker. “Okay, we’re both on the line,” Richard said.

“Hi Callie, what’s going on?” Kenneth broke in.

She began telling her story. “Late last night, someone knocked on my door. I peeked out the window but didn’t see anyone, so I started thinking I’d imagined the whole thing. This morning when I opened the door, I almost tripped over a box that had my name written across the top.”

“What?” Richard asked. “I hope you left it right where you found it.”

“Are you kidding? I tore into it, and it’s filled with old articles about Aunt Laverne’s murder. There’s even a glossy Startling Detective Magazine with a picture of her on the cover.”

Neither brother answered immediately.
After a moment, Kenneth asked, “Who do you think put it there?”


“I have no idea,” Callie responded.


“I don’t like this,” Richard said.


“But you guys are gonna be thrilled when you see this information.”

Richard cross-examined his sister. “Who knows you’re there?”

“Well, let’s see,” Callie said, pausing. “I spoke with several people yesterday and gave them some business cards.” She continued to explain how she’d asked around about their aunt but had been unsuccessful in finding anyone with any memory of her. “But it’s such a small town; I guess someone heard I was here and wanted me to have this stuff.”

“Why the secrecy? And why bring it to you late at night?” Richard asked. Before she could answer, he sternly admonished, “Callie, you’ve seen the house. It’s time to come home.”

About the Author

TERESA MATHEWS is a graduate of The University of South Alabama.  She’s a member of the Mobile Writers Guild and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association.

An avid gardener and artist, she has multiple book covers to her credit. Several years ago after visiting the site of her real-life aunt’s murder, Teresa discovered a third passion–storytelling. Although inspired by an actual tragedy, Thirteen Steps to the Cellar is fiction.

Raised on the Gulf Coast, Teresa, her husband, and son now live on a farm with a second home on the sparkling white sands of Fort Morgan, Alabama. This is her first novel.

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TAKE A TRIP WITH ME!

Come for a visit with me… One of my favorite places to visit is San Antonio, Texas. But, let’s go to San Antonio in 1871. Many things about the city are similar to today. Others are dramatically different.

San Antonio is famous as the home of the Alamo. I’ve visited it and the other four missions on the Mission Trail several times. The Alamo today is very different than it was in 1836 when it fell to Santa Ana’s troops after thirteen days of fighting.

1839 sketch of the Alamo

What we call the Alamo (which means “cottonwood” in Spanish) is only the chapel. Originally, the Mission San Antonio de Valero was at the corner of a large settlement created in 1718 to Christianize and educate the natives.   The mission later became a fortress and was the scene of many conflicts prior to the siege of 1836. 

Alamo Mission was almost demolished by the city fathers until the Daughters of the Republic of Texas stepped in. They bought the chapel and had it restored. That’s when it acquired its arched roofline. The other grounds of the Alamo had become downtown San Antonio.

After we visit Alamo chapel, let’s continue along Mission Trail to see the other four missions (underlined is what they're called popularly): Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción, San Juan Capistrano, San José y San Miguel de Aguayo (Queen of the Missions), and San Francisco de la Estrada. Each is a traditional Spanish mission yet has something unique about it. My favorite is San José and the beautiful Rose Window. We don’t know if the legend is true but it is romantic.

The famous Rose Window.

Supposedly Don Pedro Huizar within oral tradition is the sculptor of the façade and Rose Window of San José Church. The window was added sometime after 1777 and the mission records identified Huizar as “El Maestro” or master craftsman for his specialized trade. Local legend contends that Huizar trained as a sculptor as a youth in Spain and traveled to the New World to seek his fortune. He is documented as living in the San José community with his wife Maria and two children Josefina and Joseph. Huizar reportedly named the window at church after his lost love Rosa, but Spanish archival documents do not corroborate all (most) aspects of the legend. We never let facts get in the way of a good legend, do we?

Water taxi in front of the
Casa Rio, where we
always eat TexMex. Also
where you can board the taxi.

The headwaters of the San Antonio River begin in… where else, San Antonio. This has now been channelized through the tourist area and is a lovely place to walk or take a water taxi. We stayed in a very nice hotel on the River Walk one year but usually go for some place cheaper. I hope one day to stay in the Menger. Our youngest daughter has stayed there but didn’t see one of the ghosts who supposedly haunt the hotel.

Menger in 1870

The Menger Hotel was built in 1859. William Menger came to San Antonio in the 1840s and he and a partner operated a brewery on Alamo Plaza. He spent two years living at the boarding house run by Clara Maria Baumschluder. After two years, they were married. In 1857, they decided to change to a hotel. They opened the Menger Hotel next door to the brewery on January 31, 1859. It was such a success they immediately added forty more rooms. After the railroad came to San Antonio, the Menger Hotel became the most famous hotel in the Southwest. It’s now operated by the National Historic Trust. This is where the fictional characters in AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA stayed to help capture fictional thieves for the real Maria Menger and her son Louis William after the death of William Menger earlier in the year.

The plaza was the scene of dozens of stalls, carts, and wagons of goods. Browsing through these would have been such fun. They offered everything from food to clothing and home furnishings.

The plaza vendors

Of course, now there is much more to see in San Antonio. The King William historic district of beautiful homes is partially on land formerly owned by Pedro Huizar. Several theme parks offer children and families an exciting time if that’s your thing. Numerous museums attract those who are interested in history and multi-cultural exhibits. There's a lovely downtown shopping mall, a Mercado, and other shops to entice those who love shopping. The trolley takes visitors many places. 

If I sound like an advertisement for tourism, forgive me. I love travel and especially enjoy San Antonio. Even writing this blog post resurrected fond memories of past trips—and a couple of not so fond ones.

For instance, the time Hero was stung on the foot by a red wasp the morning we left on vacation. He is so allergic that by the time we reached San Antonio he had to visit the ER for treatment. He spent most of the trip in the motel room in pain while our daughters and I went touring. Not a fun time for him.

Also, there was the time we stayed in that expensive hotel on the River Walk and there was torrential rain the entire three days we were there. We spent most of the trip in our rooms watching the rain. Worse, we had talked about how nice the place was and had my mother and my younger brother with us. You can imagine their disappointment—and my mom did not suffer quietly. When we left we were the next to last car across the bridge before the National Guard closed the highway due to flooding. Poor Mom never did get to visit San Antonio again. I don't think she wanted to return.

We have been back several times but it’s been years and I’d love to visit again. Anyone up for a trip?

By the way, if you haven’t yet purchased AN AGENT FOR MAGDALA, the Pinkerton Matchmaker Series book 37, you’re missing a fun read. (in my opinion, but supported by excellent 5 star reviews). 

The book is free in KU or $2.99 in Kindle and is also available in paperback. 

The Amazon buy link is https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Magdala-Pinkerton-Matchmaker-Book-ebook/dp/B07V3G4QHY  

The Universal Amazon link is http://mybook.to/Magdala

WALKING WITH ELEPHANTS -- A LIGHTHEARTED SLICE OF LIFE!

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Walking With Elephants

by
Karen S. Bell

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction

Suze Hall is at a crossroads. Her nemesis at work, Wanda, has been
promoted and now will be her boss. Her husband, Bob, is leaving her
and the three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under. To top it
off, her best friend, Marcia, is missing in action—playing footsie
with some new boyfriend!

Adding to this disaster stew, David, the gorgeous hunk who broke her
young-girl's heart has coincidentally popped back into her life and
has something she desperately needs to keep her job.

Walking with Elephants, a lighthearted slice-of-life story, brings to the
table the serious work/family issues facing women today. It explores
the modern dichotomy of a workplace that is filled with homemakers
who still must cook, clean, carpool on nights and weekends, shop for
prom dresses, and "create" the holidays—such as Suze. But
it also is filled with women who have the same drive as men, have no
family responsibilities, and will do whatever it takes to get ahead.

So step into the shoes of Suze Hall and commiserate over workplace
politics, titillate your sexual fantasies, ride the wave of a working
mother, and fall-down laughing.

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Karen S. Bell, Author

I get so much satisfaction in the writing process. I take care to
choose just the right word, to make sure each sentence has the right
cadence. I appreciate other writers who respect the craft in this
way, and I hope my readers do so with me. Writing is a need, a desire
for expression, and springs from well within my subconscious mind.
Thoughts rise up, scenes rise up and blend in with the over-arching
story. These thoughts emerge whenever they want to and wherever I am
and probably not when I am at the computer. The computer is for the
craft, the technique. The thoughts come during walks, or while
driving the car, or at the grocery store. I am the willing recipient
of these thoughts and so they seek me out. It's a mystery this
business and art of writing and it keeps me enthralled.

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