Sunday, January 31, 2021

Mystery Bones Murders (Frankie Shep Suspense Novellas) by Karen Randau @klrandau ~ #Giveaway ~ A gripping story of love, deceit, and redemption #Mystery #Thriller

 


Mystery Bones Murders: A gripping story of love, deceit, and redemption (Frankie Shep Suspense Novellas) by Karen Randau

Mystery Bones Murders (Frankie Shep Suspense Novellas) 

Mystery - Thriller 

1st in Series 

Independently Published 

Publish Date: November 30, 2020

Print length: 131 pages 

ASIN: B08PDGPJT6

About Mystery Bones Murders:

Frankie Shep is still mourning the deaths of her husband and young son when she finds a bone in the far corner of her Wyoming cattle ranch. 

Excited to think she may have discovered an ancient Native American village, she takes the bone to a lifelong friend who is now a forensic anthropologist on contract with her county. 

After a cursory inspection, he turns a blood-chilling stare at Frankie. The bone isn’t ancient. Worse, the victim could be the remains of Frankie’s mother. She disappeared from her own bed more than a decade ago. 

And now her retired father is missing. 

As Frankie digs deeper, she discovers the terrifying truth that a serial killer is using her land to bury his victims, all members of her family and inner circle. 

And now he’s watching her. 

Mystery Bones Murders is a story of love, heart-wrenching deception, and finding redemption. 

About Karen Randau:

Karen Randau authors fast-paced stories with intricate plots, lots of action, and a dash of romance told from the point of view of a female amateur sleuth. Mystery Bones Murders is her sixth book and the first book in a new series of novellas. She lives in the mountains of Arizona with her multi-generational family.

Author Links: 


Purchase Links: Amazon 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

January 18 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
January 19 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
January 21 – Celticlady's Reviews - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
January 22 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT
January 23 – Cassidy's Bookshelves - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 24 – Literary Gold - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
January 25 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT
January 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GUEST POST
January 27 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 28 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
January 29 – I Read What You Write - CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 29 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
January 30 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
January 31 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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Saturday, January 30, 2021

Reaching Hope: Dog Talk, Book 1 by Joanne Jaytanie @joannejaytanie ~ #Giveaway

 

Reaching Hope
Dog Talk Book 1
by Joanne Jaytanie


Genre: Psychic, Military Romantic Suspense



The Baker Corp. has recruited Blair Sellick, a nationally known dog trainer with truly phenomenal skills, to provide exceptional training for service dogs. The project would provide highly intelligent animals as partners for victims of PTSD and other disabilities. Or would it?

The answer has disappeared along with Blair, her fellow dog trainers, and all the dogs.

Ex-SEAL and canine handler Zane Kelly is done with war, with dogs, and with Bolton’s Soldiers. Coerced, cajoled, and eventually intrigued, Zane finally capitulates to Bolton’s Soldiers recruiters for just one project, to find Blair Sellick. The mission is clear, the dog trainers are dying, and nobody has heard from Blair for weeks. Zane has failed only one mission, and that failure cost his canine partner Axel his life.

This time Zane has no intention of leaving anyone behind.

Add to Goodreads

**Only .99 cents until Feb 8th!**




USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Joanne Jaytanie writes mystery/thriller/suspense, romantic suspense, and paranormal. A transplant from upstate New York, Joanne lives with her husband and Doberman in their home located on the Olympic Peninsula with a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains.
When she's not writing, she loves to travel and enjoys time with her family and friends. Joanne has recently returned to dog training. Mazie, their newest addition to the family loves to work. The duo is training for Scent Work and plans to start trialing in 2021.
In her previous life, Joanne showed and titled dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, and rally. She has worked in personnel, finance and managed her husband's forensic engineering firm.
Joanne is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death, Greater Seattle Romance Writers Chapter, Rose City Romance Writers, Sisters In Crime, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, and Pacific NW Writers Association. She served as President of Peninsula Romance Writers, which was Debbie Macomber's home chapter.





Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$30 Amazon 

Looking for Bloggers/Authors/Hosts ~ Cover Reveal Sign Up Invitation - The Demons of the Square Mile (Nora Simeon Investigations, Book 2) by Laurence Raphael Brothers ~ Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Novella (February 17, 2021)

 

I'm still looking for hosts to share the cover reveal for The Demons of the Square Mile by Laurence Raphael Brothers:


Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the cover reveal for The Demons of the Square Mile (Nora Simeon Investigations, Book 2) by Laurence Raphael Brothers 

About The Demons of the Square Mile:

The real story behind Brexit

Occult Private Investigator, Nora Simeon, and her uncannily handsome partner Eyre - an elemental given human form - follow a trail of magic, murder, and conspiracy from the luxurious apartment towers of Manhattan's upper east side to the ancient depths of London's Inner Temple. Along the way they encounter powerful sorcerers, magisterial barristers, evil templars, and, of course, more demons gone rogue. 

With their newly acquired ward, Martha - a rat-demon - in tow, they uncover a secret so profound it could both undermine the world's financial system and topple the British government.

**This cover is suitable for all blogs/websites/social media accounts.


This cover reveal event is for February 17, 2021.  I don't require top or only post of the day for any of my tours.  Materials will include a standard post and an HTML.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal  

Release Date is March 17 and there will be a 1-week tour announcement coming right after the cover reveal.

Thank you for signing up to host this cover reveal.

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Book Tour & #Giveaway ~ A Tourist's Guide to Murder (Mystery Bookshop, Book 6) by V.M. Burns @vmburns #CozyMystery

 


A Tourist's Guide to Murder (Mystery Bookshop) by V.M. Burns

 

About A Tourist's Guide to Murder

A Tourist's Guide to Murder 

Mystery Bookshop, Book 6

Cozy Mystery 

Publisher: Kensington 

Publish Date: January 26, 2021) Paperback: 256 pages ISBN-10: 1496728955 ISBN-13: 978-1496728951] Digital ASIN: B087YRY1S4

 

While visiting the land of Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes, bookstore owner and amateur sleuth Samantha Washington finds herself on a tragical mystery tour . . . 

Sam joins Nana Jo and her Shady Acres Retirement Village friends Irma, Dorothy, and Ruby Mae on a weeklong trip to London, England, to experience the Peabody Mystery Lovers Tour. The chance to see the sights and walk the streets that inspired Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle is a dream come true for Sam—and a perfect way to celebrate her new publishing contract as a mystery author. 

But between visits to Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel district and 221B Baker Street, Major Horace Peabody is found dead, supposedly of natural causes. Despite his employer’s unfortunate demise, the tour guide insists on keeping calm and carrying on—until another tourist on their trip also dies under mysterious circumstances. Now it’s up to Sam and the Shady Acres ladies to mix and mingle among their fellow mystery lovers, find a motive, and turn up a murderer . . . 

About V.M. Burns:


V.M. (Valerie) Burns was born and raised in the Midwestern United States. She currently resides in the warmer region of the country in East Tennessee with her two poodles. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Dog Writers of America, Crime Writers of Color, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. Valerie is the author of the RJ Franklin Mysteries, the Dog Club Mysteries, and the Agatha Award-nominated Mystery Bookshop Mystery series.

Author Links:

Website: vmburns.com

Purchase Links: 


TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

January 21 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
January 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
January 21 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
January 22 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, GUEST POST
January 22 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
January 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
January 23 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
January 23 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 24 – I Read What You Write - REVIEW
January 24 – The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT
January 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, GUEST POST
January 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
January 25 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
January 26 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT
January 26 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW
January 27 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
January 27 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 27 – Island Confidential – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 28 – Here's How It Happened – REVIEW
January 28 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
January 29 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
January 29 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT
January 29 – Books to the Ceiling – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
January 30 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 30 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT
January 31 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 31 – Baroness' Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
January 31 – My Journey Back – CHARACTER INTERVIEW



Book Blitz ~ Let There Be Dragons by Janet Post @jpost2019 @RABTBookTours ~ Dark #Fantasy ~ #Excerpt

 

Dark Fantasy

Published: October 2020

Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing

About the Book:

In a post-apocalyptic world, dragons, elves, vampires and demons war for control of Earth. A girl with powerful Gifts is the only hope the world has to destroy Slygon, a demon from the Pit come to rule all.

With the aid of a half-orc, his friends and a fairy, Annabelle tames dragons and rides to fight Slygon on his home territory. On a mission to rescue her sister from Slygon’s power, Annabelle will stop at nothing. When everyone around her is saying it’s time to quit, Annabelle is just getting started.


Read an Excerpt:

Chapter Three

Jackal

We be getting mighty close the city, Jackal,” Slag said.

I glanced at my green friend sitting astride the Belgium draft mare he’d named Bunny even though she was mean as a snake. Slag was three-quarters orc. Slag’s mother had been a halfling, his father an orc who raped her when she was hunting. Slag had been given to the same wet nurse taking care of me. We were raised together along with Chub, our third companion, another half-orc.

Slag’s frown emphasized the pointed ivory tusks that rose at the corner of his mouth from his bottom jaw to above his upper lip and nearly to his flat nose. At seven feet of solid muscle Slag weighed in at three-hundred pounds, and was two inches taller than me, and twenty-five pounds heavier. When I noticed the sun shining off the top of Slag’s head I grinned. Slag kept his head shaved to show off what he thought were his best features, a broad forehead and small, slightly pointed ears, each pierced with three golden rings.

Aye, the city be close” I said as I glanced around us. “The big lake be over that hill. The walls of New Orleans be about a league to the south of us.”

This be dangerous ground,” Chub said. “It’s getting’ late and I’m terrible hungry. Let’s stop and cook up some of that shoat we bagged this morning.”

I laughed. Chub was always hungry, a huge halfling who besides food, loved me, Slag and no other being in the universe, except perhaps the draft mule he rode. The mule was always hungry too. Chub shared other qualities with his mount, such as strength, tirelessness, and a foul temper. A dangerous combination. But then all of us are dangerous.

I’m good with that,” I said. “You two set up camp. I’m gonna ride up to the top of that hill and get a look see.”

I spurred Thor, a black Friesian with feathered feet and too much mane. The big horse was a gift from my mother, the elf queen, Ashera. It was the only thing besides my light skin, pointed ears, and thick brown hair she’d ever given me. That, and she’d carried me to term and not killed me at birth, which was the custom, because I was the result of an orc rape. Instead of killing me, she sent me to the village of Wildwhisper. She’d never raise a half-orc babe herself. Elves were all racists. They believed in the purity of the elf race and any mixing of blood was considered an abomination. I was glad she’d sent me to Wildwhisper. Life in the village suited me down to the ground. I’d learned to forge and use the weapons I made.

My two warrior friends and I were raised in the same small village outside the elves’ mountain fortress in what used to be Arkansas. It was also near Edenvale, a hidden sanctuary populated with humans who didn’t care to be serfs to the Magics or live within walls. The people of Wildwhisper maintained themselves by hunting in the forest, tanning hides, and forging weapons. They mined ore and coal in the mountains and found old steel and metal in abandoned cities to melt in forges fueled by the coal. Their swords were highly-valued, the metal folded and then sharpened to perfection and modeled after the Japanese blade, the katana. They also forged enormous axes to be used as weapons and smaller ones for cutting down trees. If it could be made of metal, it was forged in Wildwhisper. I always carried a satchel full of weapons to use in trade if we needed food or lodging, and sometimes I sold them for the most common form of money, silver coins.

As I galloped Thor to the top of the hill, reveling in the strength and immense power of the horse beneath me, I surveyed the landscape. Below stretched the big lake and the wall built around the city of New Orleans. The city center was too far to see clearly, just the spire of a great church, and the remains of tall buildings now crumbling ruins. Inside the wall, small farms were green with summer’s bounty.

I squeezed Thor’s sides sending him charging into a valley and up another hill. At the top, I spotted a group of orcs camped in the bottom of the next valley inside a copse of oak saplings. Smoke from their cook fire rose between the leafy boughs. I couldn’t see all of them, but the usual orc raiding party was ten or twelve. Seven were visible, tending to the huge boars they rode. The hogs grunted and snorted from their position tied to trot lines. I was close enough hear the restless animals.

This was good news to me. Finding a raiding party before it found you was always good news. Then I spotted the girl. She looked about ten and was tied face down across the back of a hog. One of the orcs dragged her off the massive pig and tossed her to his fellow who laughed and ripped off her clothes.

I felt my animal nature rising. Anger at the terrible treatment of the child, for the girl was no more than that, warred with my inner voice cautioning me to take care. I wanted nothing more than to tear down the hill and fight all of them.

I whirled Thor around on his hind feet and galloped back to camp. It was almost dark. Slag and Chub would appreciate the chance to kill some orcs.

I pulled the big Friesian to a sliding stop at the edge of the camp. Slag grabbed my reins. “I see that light in yer eye.” Slag grinned. “Ye found us a bit of work, didn’t ye?”

Orcs have a girl. We gotta go now. Setting up camp can wait. Mount [JP1] up and let’s ride.”

Slag and Chub leapt on their mounts[JP2] . Chub still had his long bow slung over his shoulder, a quiver full of arrows and his axe in a holster attached to his leather body armor. Slag favored a broad sword, a crossbow with bolts tipped with rattlesnake venom, and a spear. I still had my katana and sheath hooked to the back of my armor. Armed to the teeth, we thundered down the trail, knowing the girl might soon be dead, or worse. A ten-year old was a woman to orcs.

We stopped at the top of the hill overlooking the orc encampment. The sun had set, and a huge moon slowly rose over the trees behind them. The ghostly-blue light illuminated the troop of orcs gathered in a raiding party. We sat still and silent, impatient as we watched the orcs move out. When the orcs crested the far hill and headed toward the city, I dismounted, left Thor ground-tied, and slunk down the hill staying in the cover of shrubs and underbrush. Chub stayed with the horses, but Slag followed.

The fire I’d seen earlier was extinguished, but the orcs obviously planned to return to this camp. Two huge, ugly, green monsters squatted close to the girl. They weren’t touching her, just sitting there watching. Two hogs wandered around behind them, saddled and ready to go, but eating acorns and snuffling in the leaves beneath the trees.

I waved, sending Slag off to the left, while I went right. The hogs scented us and squealed an alarm. The two orcs jumped to their feet. One held a massive hammer, the other a multi-bladed mace, crude but effective. A brace of spears leaned against one of the trees. The hogs came close to inspect me and I shooed them away. One charged, its tusks gleaming blue in the moonlight. I held my katana high over my head in a two-handed grip as I waited for the hog, then I stepped aside and sliced its head off with my razor-sharp blade. The head rolled, foam dripping from its gaping maw as blood gushed from the body. The other hog squealed and ran away.

Alerted, the two orcs raced around in circles searching for us. Slag stepped up behind them and put two poison bolts into the biggest one while I slashed the other diagonally across its body from neck to thigh, opening its belly. Guts and blood poured onto the ground as the stunned orc took a minute to figure out, he was dead, then toppled over.

Smiling, I do love a good fight, I wiped my blade on the grass to clean it. “Get the girl.”

Slag moaned. “Really? Like we ain’t got enough problems?”

If we leave her here, the orcs will find her and their two dead friends and come looking for us after they kill her.”

Happen, they’ll come for us, no matter.”

Not if we catch them first.”

Slag lifted one bushy eyebrow.

We have to go after them. They’re headed for the city.”

When did you become a lover of the Magics?”

It’s not the Magics I care about. The regular folk die too, and they don’t deserve it.”

Slag sighed. “Let’s be off then. Chub’s missing his dinner and that will put him in a right bad mood.”

We found the girl curled into a ball under a rough blanket made of sacking. I pulled the sacking off her face. She was red headed, with pale skin and bright blue eyes. She pounced on me, clawing at my eyes. “Whoa, there filly.” I pulled her off my head. “I ain’t an orc.”

You are!” she screamed. “You might not be green, but you look just like them.”

I know I ain’t pretty, but it’s not kind of you to remind me. I might be half orc, but I always thought I was better looking than orcs.” I held her out in front of me and noticed she was younger than I’d thought, and feistier. “We just killed your captors and we plan to get the rest.” She kicked and scratched at my leather wrist guards, tried to bite me, and shrieked bloody murder.

I can always give you back, if you’d druther.”

She stopped shrieking. “Put me down.”

Are you gonna run?”

Duh.”

Where to?”

Away from you, that’s for certain.”

Slag stepped forward in all his hugeness and laughed. “Jackal be your onliest chance of surviving, missy. I’d stick with him if I was you, for a kinder heart in a bigger ass you’ll never find.”

About The Author:


Janet Post is a self-described military brat from Hawaii. She worked as a reporter for years before retiring to write books. Horses and dogs are her passion along with writing adventure and fantasy for young adults. She currently lives in the swamplands of Florida.

Contact Links:

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Blitz ~ "Quotes" Humbled but, Yet Eloquent by Winifred Lee Richardson @Winifre76070790 @RABTBookTours ~ Motivational Quotes, Inspirational

 

Motivational Quotes, Inspirational

Published: December 2020

Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media

About the Book:

"Quotes" Humbled but, Yet Eloquent contains several informative quotes, colorful photographs, special writing features, poems, scriptures list, songs and an autograph page. The book’s focus is to share Encouragement, positiveness and uplifting words to everyone worldwide.



About The Author:


Winifred Lee Richardson resides in the Southern California area with her son and dear family. She inherited the love of writing from her mother.

Contact Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Promo Link


Purchase Links:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

iBooks

IndieBound

 

RABT Book Tours & PR

Friday, January 29, 2021

Concrete Roses Series by T.L. Pratcher @l_pratcher ~ #Giveaway ~ Inspirational Fiction

 

Concrete Roses Series
by T.L. Pratcher

Genre: Inspirational Fiction

Concrete Roses: Trampled
Book 1


Dancing on a pole and prostituting herself is the only life twenty-something year old Tabitha “Tammy” Bordeaux knows. Turned out and put on display for men by her own mother at a young age, Tammy has learned how to master the sex game so she can provide a home for her two little girls.
When her pimp, Rooster, brings a new girl into what is known as the henhouse, and directs Tammy to “teach” her the ropes, things begin to change in Tammy’s life. One thing after another including a tragic death causes Tammy’s life to begin spiraling out of her control.
When she is faced with the possibility of losing her precious daughters to the system, Tammy realizes it’s time for a change and a new game plan. Will the unexpected help of a stranger be the thing to inject newfound hope in Tammy for her life and the life of her little girls or will she run to the arms of Rooster or some other pimp for salvation?
This urban tale will keep you turning the page with drama and excitement.

Add to Goodreads * Purchase from Amazon

Concrete Roses: Revived
Book 2


Out of the frying pan and into the fire ….
Tammy and her girls barely escape life threatening snares in "Concrete Roses Trampled Book I," only to be caught in the iron clutches of danger again!
In "Concrete Roses Book II Revived," Tammy grapples to keep her family together under the menacing intimidation of pimp, Rooster and his main girl, Chica. Tammy's past life just will not leave her alone, as old friends reveal new plots and diabolical schemes that aim to destroy Tammy and all she holds dear.
But amid the chaos, new alliances are forged, and hope emerges!



T.L. Pratcher is the author of a rising book series, "Concrete Roses Trampled" and "Concrete Roses Revived."
 Through compelling story-telling, T.L. inspires her audiences to see the best in themselves and others. She shares timeless truths and principles that she used turn the grit and grime of her worst mistakes into the mortar that built a stable and healthy life for herself and family.
 From Junior High School Drop-out to College Graduate and beyond, T.L. embodies a spirit of resilience that will spur your group to the next level.
 It's time for your group to write a new chapter, invite T.L. to share at your next event. Let Her story inspire the next chapter in yours!



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$15 Amazon



Tour & #Giveaway ~ Pursuit of the Truth (West Investigations) by K.D. Richards @kiadwrites #RomanticSuspense

 

Pursuit of the Truth (West Investigations) by K.D. Richards

 

Pursuit of the Truth 

West Investigations, Book 1 

Romantic Suspense 

Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue 

Publish Date: January 26, 2021

Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages 

ISBN-10: 1335401539 

ISBN-13: 978-1335401533 

Digital ASIN: B08CSRDVWK

About The Pursuit of the Truth:

His skills can keep her safe

Her secrets could get them killed…
Security expert Ryan West’s worst fears come to life when hotel CEO Nadia Shelton is pushed in front of a taxi and nearly killed. Someone will do whatever it takes to find the brother Nadia thought was dead, and the only way Ryan can protect her as they uncover the truth is to stay strictly professional. But the sparks igniting between them are nearly impossible to ignore.  

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served. 

About K.D. Richards:

K. D. Richards is the pseudonym for Kia Dennis. Kia was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs just outside of Washington, D.C. A writer since a young age, after college she earned a law degree and worked as an attorney and legal instructor for fifteen years but never stopped writing fiction. She currently lives in the Toronto area with her husband and two sons. Sign up for her newsletter at kdrichardsbooks.com and follow her on Twitter @kiadwrites

Author Links: 


Purchase Links: Amazon - Kobo - Harlequin - B&N 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

January 25 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
January 26 – Bea's Book Nook - REVIEW
January 27 – Literary Gold - CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 28 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
January 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 29 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
January 30 – The Book Diva's Reads – GUEST POST
February 1 – I Read What You Write -GUEST POST
February 2 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
February 3 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog - REVIEW
February 4 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
February 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
February 6 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
February 7 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT



Release Day Blitz ~ A Thousand Words (Unbroken, Book One) by M. A. Fréchette @authorMAF ~ Dark Contemporary Romance

She’s trapped in a nightmare. Unleashing his own could set her free.


A Thousand Words
Unbroken
Book One
M. A. Fréchette

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Publisher: M. A. Fréchette
Date of Publication: January 29, 2021
ISBN: 9781777069827
ASIN: B08RMRNFHP
Number of pages: 374
Word Count: 99,856

Cover Artist: Magali Fréchette


About the Book: 

From the outside, Elora Reverie’s life is a dream. A handsome husband; a passion for writing children’s books; a beautiful home. In reality, she’s living a nightmare of abuse in a house that’s little more than a prison.

On a rare escape to a book convention, she’s shocked to win a raffle for a photoshoot with Vincent Voden, a stunning male model. Yielding to the temporary fantasy is an exercise in madness, especially with his phone number hidden in the lining of her purse. But when her husband turns violent, she’s forced to admit her marriage is truly a sham—and she dials that lifeline to Vincent’s safe, strong arms.

Vincent instantly recognized the hopeless look in Elora’s eyes. His mother wore it, too. That’s why he secretly entered Elora’s name into that contest—to shield her, however briefly, in his arms. Now he’s got a second chance to show her love doesn’t have to hurt. When a murderous crime organization re-emerges and targets abused women, Vincent will do whatever it takes to protect Elora from more than just her husband. 

No matter what favors from his violent past he needs to call in to make it happen…

Purchase from Amazon

Read an Excerpt: 

Thunder rumbled in the sky, and Elora rubbed her arms at the sound. At least most of the wall was closed off already since the workers were busy focusing on the outside construction.

She slowed as she approached the dining room, her pulse throbbing in her ears. Vincent stood at the window, staring at a familiar paper. She’d doodled on it a few hours ago.

He glanced over his shoulder and gave her a charming smile that sent her heart fluttering. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to poke my nose in here.” He put the sheet on the table and leaned against the chair. “Did you draw this?”

Heat crept into her cheeks that had nothing to do with the temperature. “Where are the other workers?”

“They left early because of the storm. I told Larry I’d let you know, but when I came inside, I found this, and got distracted.” He pointed at the paper. “So did you?”

“Did I what?” she asked, adding an innocent tone to her voice. It sounded… flirty.

He chuckled, taking a step toward her. “Did you draw this?” He grabbed the pad and stopped in front of her.

His scent wrapped around her senses―sweat and the heat of sunlight―and a sudden flush of warmth spread through her. “I was… doodling.”

“It’s great. Are you an interior designer on top of a picture book artist?”

She couldn’t help the burst of laughter escaping her mouth as she shook her head. “No, no. I just enjoy drawing.”

He glanced at the sketch of the sunroom. “Would it be okay if I showed this to Larry? He’d love to use some of these concepts.”

“Richard wouldn’t want me getting involved―”

“I won’t tell him it’s yours.” He took another step closer, and she caught the hem of her shirt, stopping herself from backing away. “If you don’t mind losing the credit for your brilliant ideas?”

She grabbed the drawing from him and frowned at it. “You really think it’s good?”

“I do. You’ve got hidden talents, apparently.” His voice turned husky, and she swallowed hard as she stared at him. “I bet you’re full of surprises, darling.”

Heat engulfed her body at the pet name, and she drew a shuddering breath at the way he stared at her. Not just in interest and lust, but something deeper.

She cleared her throat, putting the paper on the table. “So, are you good at everything?” When his smile turned lewd, she couldn’t help grin. “I didn’t mean it that way. I meant… you’re a construction worker and you model? That’s quite the different professions.”

“And it’s not the only two, either.” He pulled a chair and sat, then motioned for her to do the same. Once she took a seat, he leaned his elbow on the table. “They’re not so distinct, when you think about it. I mean, I need to stay in shape… This incredible body doesn’t happen overnight.”

She giggled. Great. She sounded like a fourteen-year-old infatuated teen. With a loud sniff, she tried to get rid of her embarrassment, but it turned into a snort, and they both burst into a fit of laughter.

When was the last time I laughed like this?

“Have you modeled a while?”

“A few years. I worked construction on a building in the city when an agent approached me. Thought she was kidding when she offered me a contract, but it turned out legit, so I accepted.” He ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. “I don’t take on contracts often since it’s just a side job for me. I’ll usually only say yes if it’s for a charity event or something like that. The Book Fair donated the contest ticket price to an animal shelter, and I just couldn’t resist helping out.”

As she stared into Vincent’s brown eyes, the twinkle behind them seemed to hide a darker side. But it wasn’t threatening; instead, it cradled her.

I’ll have to thank Liana later for putting my name in the contest.

She smiled. “So construction is your primary job?”

“No. I take these jobs when a foreman needs an extra man, and since it’s quiet at my workplace…” he shrugged. “What about you?”

She didn’t mention the sudden shift in his voice; like he wanted to avoid talking about his primary job. Still, she wasn’t one to push considering she wouldn’t give him much information either.

“Just the children’s books, but it’s slow. I have several tasks to do each day, but whenever I get a few minutes, I love to put books together. Stories that’ll inspire children not to suffer alone, feel loved even if they may not have someone in their lives.” She traced a small dent on the wooden table. “But I also enjoy drawing for fun,” she said, glancing toward the paper.

Ever since she had imagined a greenhouse attached to the living room, design ideas had filled her imagination.

A flash of light ripped through the sky, followed by a crash of thunder, and she bolted to her feet. Her breath came faster, memories of Richard throwing objects against the walls resonating in her head. The first time she’d showed fear during a storm, he purposely jump-scared her at every opportunity.

Vincent stood and took her hand, squeezing lightly. She froze, his touch so gentle, yet firm, letting her know he had her.

“Elora?” He tried pulling her closer, but she winced, her shoulder still tender. “Can I see?”

She’d kept the sweater on, covering the nasty bruise that had turned a shade of green, purple, and blue. Unable to speak as he held onto her hand, she nodded slowly. He pulled the clothes to the side, his eyes narrowing on the wound, but he said nothing as he pushed her clothes in place.

“It’s sore, but nothing too horrible.” She tried pulling away, but he took a step closer, closing the gap between them. “I’ll have to be more careful with the boxes next time.”

“We both know that’s a lie.”

Before she could reply, thunder echoed, feeling like it shook the house from the ground up. She yelped, instinct pushing her toward Vincent as he wrapped his arms around her. He held her, and they both stood unmoving. As though even the smallest of breaths would break the moment. The safety she felt with him was… indescribable.

Guilt churned her stomach as she thought of Richard. This was unacceptable. She couldn’t feel these things for another man. She was married, and through better or worse, she loved her husband.

Right?

She pulled away, averting her gaze. “Sorry. Loud noises make me jumpy.”

He chuckled, cutting through the heaviness in the air between them. “These big powerful arms are here whenever you need them.”

She laughed. “Thanks.”

“I should go. I won’t be working here tomorrow, but I’ll be back next week.” He walked to the entrance and opened the door. “Have a good evening.”

She hated that not seeing him for a while hurt this much. 

About the Author:

M. A. Fréchette writes the darker side of romance.

Being an extremist, she loves both the dark aspects of life and everything sweet. All her stories are either set in Canada where she lives or in alternate worlds she made up while living within her imagination. When not writing, she thinks of the next scene or plot while enjoying her work as a cover designer. Although she has a fascination for monsters, with a bachelor degree in criminology, she understands there’s no need to create the paranormal; humans are capable of inflicting nightmares of their own.

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