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Cover Reveal for THE REAPER RISES by Kristen Taber (fantasy) + #giveaway

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 9:19 PM / comment : 0 , ,


Today we're excited to share the cover reveal of The Reaper Rises by Kristen Taber! This is the fourth book in the Aerenden series and releases this summer. This is a high fantasy and the first three books are available on Amazon for only $2.99. They are also available in audiobook and are narrated by Karen Savage. Check them out and sample them here. If you buy the book for your kindle you can get the audiobook for only $1.99!

Check out the cover of The Reaper Rises!
The Reaper Rises (Aerenden #4):

In the months following Meaghan’s reported death, her kingdom has chosen to reestablish villages, hiding behind the protection spells Garon continues to breach. Nick barely holds the Æerenden people together as he prepares them for the final battle.

Meanwhile, the Shadow Guard still thrives. Their spies have infiltrated every part of the kingdom, working to eliminate the royal family and a power they believe will destroy everything good.

Hope and trust have given way to fear and despair. Death seems imminent. And a senseless voice from the past offers the only clue for survival. Keep a fire burning...

About the previous books:
The Child Returns (Aerenden #1):

After witnessing her parents' brutal murders at the hands of red-eyed creatures, Meaghan narrowly escapes the same fate. Her best friend, Nick, tells her the creatures are Mardróch. They come from another world and so does she. Now that the Mardróch have found her, she must return to her homeland of Ærenden or face death.

Left with little choice, she follows Nick into a strange world both similar to Earth and drastically different. Vines have the ability to attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Men create bombs from thin air. Even Meaghan's newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she can't control.

But control becomes the least of her worries once the Mardróch begin targeting her. When Nick confesses he knows the reason they want her, she learns the truth behind the kingdom's fifteen-year civil war--a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.





The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2):

Several months after Meaghan's return to Ærenden, the kingdom's war has taken a turn for the worse. The Mardróch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in their remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it's a threat they never see coming.
The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden #3):

 Separated and on opposite sides of the kingdom, Nick and Meaghan face different pursuits which could change the balance of power in Ærenden forever.

While Nick trains the villagers to be soldiers, Meaghan and a small rescue party venture into Zeiihbu to find Faillen's young son, before Garon can use the boy's power to destroy those still fighting against his rule.

Everyone knows Meaghan could be on a suicide mission, but when Nick stumbles upon a secret concealed in one of the southern villages, he realizes that Garon might not be Meaghan's greatest foe. The enemy most likely to kill her is someone who has also promised to keep her safe.




About the Author:

Kristen spent her childhood at the feet of an Irish storytelling grandfather, learning to blend fact with fiction and imagination with reality. She lived within the realm of the tales that captivated her, breathing life into characters and crafting stories even before she could read. Those stories have since turned into over a hundred poems, several short tales, and seven manuscripts in both the Young Adult and Adult genres. Currently, Kristen is completing the five-part Ærenden series from her home office in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

Author Sites
www.kristentaber.com
www.aerenden.com


GIVEAWAY:

One (1) winner receives the first three books in audio (through audible download)
One (1) winner receives the first three books, gifted through Amazon for Kindle.
Three (3) winners receive a Kindle copy the first book, The Child Returns.
Open Worldwide (where Kindle and Audible are available.)

Ends June 22

Prizes provided the author, hosts are not responsible in any way. Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. 




This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.



Sarah Sundin’s ‘Anchor in the Storm’ All Hands on Deck Giveaway

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 6:30 AM / comment : 0 , , , ,

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

anchor in the storm - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

anchor in the storm - banner

Read an excerpt of TAKE ME TO THE WILLOW by Shelly Brimley | @GoddessFish Presents #HistoricalFiction + $50 GC #Giveaway

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 12:30 AM / comment : 10 , ,

Goddess Fish Promotions has organized a virtual book tour for Take Me to the Willow by Shelly Brimley, an historical fiction available now from Bales Cove Publishing. Click the banner below to see more stops on the tour.



Take Me to the Willow
by Shelly Brimley


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


GENRE: Historical Fiction


~~~~~~~~~~~~~




BLURB:


In defending his life-long friendship with Charlie, Will may have inadvertently had a hand in the growing chaos that leads to the horrifying night when his familiar world is shattered.

When Will Wright, the eighteen year old son of a small-town Arkansas sheep herder in 1905, begins reading his mother’s journal, he is inspired by its startling content to start putting his own experiences to paper for posterity. An unsophisticated but principled young man, Will is becoming increasingly aware of the hatred that exists in the world. When he begins his own journal, Will can’t know what events are to take place in the next five years – from his mother’s battle with a life threatening illness, to his embarrassments of learning how to be in love for the first time, to witnessing Charlie’s fate at the hands of the bigoted townspeople. While part of him wishes the pain in those pages didn’t exist, he knows that the original purpose for keeping the journal has been realized - to show his kin how he became the man he is. He will probably never go back through and read again the pages he’s written, but someday, someone will, and they will see that along with the hurt, Will’s life had been one that knew true joy, absolute love, and undying friendship.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~



EXCERPT:


"Men and women are different," Will, he said.


"I know that," I said.


"Now don’t interrupt me, son!," he said, his voice rather abrupt and a bit on the nervous side. "Just let me say what I got to say."


"Sorry, I said," feelin’ startled.


Daddy scratched the back of his head and started again.


"Men and women are different," he said.


We’ve already covered that, I thought to myself but didn’t dare share that with him.


"And when they come together as husband and wife for the first time, it’s real important for the man to be sensitive to the woman so she feels comfortable… because the woman might feel uncomfortable if the man ain’t sensitive," he said.


I just sat and listened, not sure where he was goin’ with it. He didn’t seem to be goin’ anywhere except around in circles. All I could seem to grasp was that I’m supposed to be sensitive — about what… I had no clue. And Hannah is gonna end up feelin’ comfortable or uncomfortable – I’m not sure which. And speakin’ of bein’ uncomfortable, Daddy looked like a lone rabbit in a coyote’s den. I don’t believe he looked at me the whole time he was talkin’, just fidgeted and looked at the ground.


"You understand?" he asked.
I couldn’t bring myself to tell him I had no idea what in tarnation he was talkin’ about. So I just nodded instead.


"Uh huh," I said.


"Good," said Daddy as he put his hat back on and stood up to leave.


"Thank you, sir," I said. "This was real helpful."


Daddy stood there for a minute, not sure what to do next. He nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and at one point, I thought he might shake my hand, but then he just said, “Alright then”, and went back in the house.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:


PictureShelly Brimley was born in Flagstaff, AZ, where she lived most of her life until moving to Mexico to study abroad. After graduation, Shelly did some volunteer work in Africa and completed her graduate degree while working in an adolescent drug treatment center. After acquiring her Master’s degree, she worked as a counselor at a residential shelter for children who had been smuggled and trafficked into the USA from different countries around the world. She also taught English to adult refugees before resigning to raise her children. Shelly wanted to use her experience working with others as a source of inspiration in her writing, offering a voice for those who are not typically heard or considered.




Website link – http://www.shellybrimley.com




Author Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shellybrimleyauthor




Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28183223-take-me-to-the-willow

– On sale for only $0.99 until May 22 at Amazon –  





~~~~~~~~~~~~~



GIVEAWAY


One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

WANDERLUST by Bernadette Marie + $20 GC Amazon #Giveaway | @GoddessFish & @writesromance Present #ContemporaryRomance

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 12:30 AM / comment : 1 , , ,

Goddess Fish Promotions has organized a virtual book blast tour for Wanderlust by Bernadette Marie, a contemporary romance available from 5 Prince Publishing.




Wanderlust
by Bernadette Marie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Gia Gallow has traveled the world. Her wanderlust landed her in Georgia where she has created a life for herself away from the petty differences of relatives and domineering ex-lovers. Having settled in America, she has a successful business and dear friends—and the attention of both Dane and Russell Walker. Due to her own family's dramas over dueling hearts, she might have to forget about her feelings for Dane to keep peace within the Walker family, but sometimes even running thousands of miles away can't keep a heart from going after what the heart wants. And Gia's heart wants Dane.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:
Dane nearly had to run after his brother he was walking so fast. "Hey!" he yelled, but Russ kept
going.

Finally, he caught up to him and with his hand on his shoulder, turned him around.

"What's up with you?"

Russ shrugged off his hand. "Don't let me bother you. You were busy. Go back and finish what
you were doing."

"What the hell are you so mad about?"

"Nothing," he said and hurried toward his truck. But Dane was right on his heels.

"Don't be an ass. What's wrong with you?"

"Remember that you don't live here, right? So waltzing in and taking the most eligible, most
beautiful woman off the market is a crappy thing to do."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me. I live here. She lives here. We were getting along just fine before you came
along."

"Getting along? Are you telling me you're seeing Gia? Is that what you're saying?"

His brother looked away for a moment then back at him. "No."

"Oh, so you're just pissed I got to her first."

Russ stepped in until they were nearly chest to chest with each other. Dane didn't remember the
two inches Russ grew more than him, but now he saw them.


"Don't worry, though. I'll pick up the pieces when you break her heart and go back to your little
job."

He couldn't help it Dane shoved him against the truck. "I don't think she's a piece of property
that can be claimed with finder's keepers."

Russ shoved back and even raised his fist to him before they both realized that Gia was standing there watching with a hand over her mouth and the bag of gifts for their mother.

Russ lowered his hand, opened the door to the truck, and a moment later he sped away.

Dane scrubbed his hand over his face. "Damn it."

"You forgot these," she said holding the bag out to him.

He took the bag from her. "I'm sorry about that."

"You have to go after him. You have to fix this."

"Fix this? He will be fine. He's a grown man and he doesn't need"

She held up both her hands. "Fix it, Dane. You cannot let him go on like this. Especially when there is nothing to be upset about. The kisswellthe kiss was only"

He stepped in. "Don't tell me you're going to discredit that."

"I will not come between brothers."

"So you and him"

"No. We are just friends." "You said that to me too." "Do not turn this on me."

Out of frustration, he pulled his keys from his pocket. "I'll go after him and talk to him. Can I
see you tonight."

"Bachelorette party. You worry about Russell."

"This sucks," he groaned as he drug his fingers through his hair.

"Good bye, Dane," she said as she turned around and marched back to her store.

He watched her walk away and that amazing feeling that had been stirring inside of him when
he'd kissed her felt like lead now in his gut.

The Lord giving and his damn brother taketh away. Maybe it had been a mistake he thought as
he walked to his mother's car and opened the door. A few more days and he'd leave, returning to his miserable life, but without such distractions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends. Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter. At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years.

In 2007 – after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children –
Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published. That year she wrote 12
books. In 2009 she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born. In
2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince
Publishing, and has released contemporary titles and has begun the process of taking on other
authors in other genres.

Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events. She is also an
accomplished martial artist, working her way to her second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.

An avid reader she loves to meet readers who enjoy reading contemporary romances and she always promises Happily Ever After.

Bernadete Marie



~~~~~~~~~~~~~


GIVEAWAY 



Bernadette will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.


Enter to win a $20 Amazon GC - a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE MADNESS OF MERCURY by Connie di Marco | @GoddessFish & @askzodia Present #Mystery + $20 GC #Giveaway

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 12:30 AM / comment : 10 , ,

Goddess Fish Promotions has organized a virtual blurb blitz tour for The Madness of Mercury by Connie di Marco, a mystery available June 8 from Midnight Ink.

Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.




The Madness of Mercury


 by Connie di Marco

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


GENRE: Mystery

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


BLURB:


Astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought her chosen profession would bring danger into her life, but her outspoken advice in her newspaper column, AskZodia, makes her the target of San Francisco’s recently-arrived cult leader, Reverend Roy of the Prophet’s Tabernacle. The followers of the power hungry preacher will stop at nothing to quell the voices of those who would stand in his way and Julia’s at the top of his list. She’s willing to bet the charismatic Reverend is a Mercury-ruled individual, and she knows all too well that Mercury wasn’t just the messenger of the gods, he was a trickster and a liar as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:


The second floor hallway was dim, lined with dark wood wainscoting and lit only by a few wall sconces leading to the top of a curving staircase. A stained glass window filtered outside light onto the landing. It was only mid-afternoon, but the sky had grown dark, muting the brilliant reds and blues of the window. Heavy Pacific storms were closing in from the north and San Francisco would be buffeted by wind and rain through the holidays. 


At the foot of the stairs, I called to Dorothy. She didn’t answer but a sweet and toasty aroma filled the foyer. I followed the short hallway toward the rear of the house and pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen. At the other end of the room, a wall of windows overlooked the back garden and beyond that, a view of the city and the bay to the north. Black clouds, roiling and heavy with rain, were visible beyond the Golden Gate and the Marin headlands. The storm would hit within a few hours. 


Dorothy worked at the center island, kneading dough, a full length white apron tied over her loose slacks and long-sleeved red sweater. She looked up and smiled then spread her dough carefully over the board. An apple and cinnamon mixture was warming on the stove top and my stomach was reminding me I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. “What are you making?” 



“Apple pastries, little turnovers. I make them every Christmas. My aunts love them. I thought it might cheer Evandra up especially . . .” The sound of a gasoline-powered mower drowned out the rest of Dorothy’s response.


Dorothy glanced toward the windows. “Damn. What’s he doing?” 


“The gardener?” 


“Yes. Luis.” Dorothy walked to the windows and peered out into the garden. “He probably wants to finish the lawn before the rain starts.” 


A low stone wall formed the perimeter of the back garden, delineating an edge where the ground dropped off to a steep cliff marked with rocky outcroppings. I joined Dorothy at the window and followed her line of sight. The power mower was running, unattended, butting against the stone wall.  
A red bandanna hung from the vibrating handlebar of the machine. 


Dorothy looked puzzled. “He shouldn’t leave that thing like that. Where did he get off to?” She tossed her dishtowel on the table, heaved a sigh and opened the back door to the garden. 


“Luis . . . Luis,” she called. 


I followed her out the door and joined her on the lawn. The wind was whipping fiercely across the hillside and the sky had grown even darker. In the distance, the sea churned black in the bay. Dorothy’s apron billowed like a sail in the wind. She strode purposefully across the grass to the mower, and hit the control, silencing the monster. She turned her head to speak to me and hesitated, then turned back and peered over the low wall. Something had caught her eye. She was still for a moment and then took two steps backward. 

“What is it, Dorothy?” 

Her face had drained of color. “It’s Luis. He’s down there.” Her voice quivered. “I think he’s dead.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Connie di Marco is the author of the upcoming Zodiac Mystery series from Midnight Ink featuring San Francisco astrologer, Julia Bonatti. The Madness of Mercury, first in the series, will be released on June 8, 2016. Writing as Connie Archer, she’s also the national bestselling author of the Soup Lover’s Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in both The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. You can visit her at her website: www.conniedimarco.com, or Facebook.com/ConniediMarco (Author) and Twitter: @askzodia. 


Buy links for The Madness of Mercury:


Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Q3yZXs

Barnes & Noble: bit.ly/1UapU0B

Indie Bound: bit.ly/1SBPKeq

Goodreads: bit.ly/1ou4EXV
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~



GIVEAWAY 

Connie di Marco will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Melanie Dickerson’s ‘The Beautiful Pretender’ Once Upon a Kindle Giveaway

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 12:00 AM / comment : 0 , , , , ,

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

beautiful pretender - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
  • A Kindle Fire tablet
  • A $25 Amazon gift card
  • The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll
beautiful pretender - prize collage 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie's blog.

beautiful pretender - enter banner

Release Event for No Substitute for Motives by Carolyn J. Rose (cozy mystery) + #giveaway

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 12:00 AM / comment : 1 , ,


No Substitute for Motives by Carolyn J. Rose is now out and available for sale! This is the 6th book in the Subbing isn't for Sissies series. This is a cozy mystery series and the first three books are only .99 cents!


About the Book:
While Barbara Reed’s drug-cop boyfriend is away, her life spins out of control. Dave’s daughter shifts to drama-queen overdrive, Cheese Puff hits new levels of canine entitlement, and Barb’s overbearing sister demands help with a mid-life makeover. To complicate matters, things go missing from the high school, and a plot surfaces to close the city pool.

Then things get worse—Barb’s neighbor is accused of killing a retired mobster known as Big Shiny. When she was Las Vegas showgirl royalty, Muriel Ballantine steered clear of the vicious thug. She insists she didn’t recognize him when she rented the stage at a remote inn to practice her dance routine for a reality show.

Barb is certain someone framed Mrs. B—perhaps Glorree Morning, a high-kicking competitor from back in the day. When the investigation stalls and Mrs. B is placed on house arrest, Barb decides it’s time to color outside the legal lines.
***
Don't miss the first book, No Substitute for Murder, only .99 cents!

***
About the Author:

Carolyn J. Rose grew up in New York’s Catskill Mountains, graduated from the University of Arizona, logged two years in Arkansas with Volunteers in Service to America, and spent 25 years as a television news researcher, writer, producer, and assignment editor in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. She lives in Vancouver, Washington, and her interests are reading, gardening, swimming, and NOT cooking. Find out more about her and her books at http://www.deadlyduomysteries.com
***
***

GIVEAWAY:

$50 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
Ends June 15th
Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible. Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Author Q&A + $25 #Giveaway | VIOLATED by @Carolyn_Arnold #LiveForward | @GoddessFish Presents #Thriller

Posted by: Mayor Sonni Posted date: 12:30 AM / comment : 15 , ,

Goddess Fish Promotions has organized a virtual book tour for Violated by Carolyn Arnold, a police procedural, thriller available from Hibbert and Stiles Publishing Inc.

Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found by clicking the banner below.




Violated
by Carolyn Arnold

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:  Police Procedural, Thriller

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:


Sometimes the past should stay there…

The murder is one of the most heinous Brandon Fisher has ever seen, but that’s not why it has his and his colleagues’ attention. The FBI’s interested because the prime suspect is one of their own, Paige Dawson.

But Paige didn’t go to Valencia, California to kill anyone. She had set out on “vacation”—her new lover in tow—only to confront the man who had raped her friend twenty-some years ago. While the hands of the law are tied, she wants him to face the fact that he destroyed a young woman’s life and know that, as an FBI agent, she’ll be watching his every move. But instead of accomplishing her goal, she wound up in the back of a police cruiser.

Now Paige must face off with a hard-nosed detective determined to stick a murder charge to a fed. But with the trained eyes of the FBI on the case, it’s becoming more and more obvious that the evidence lends itself to a serial killing, not an isolated incident. And as long as the local authorities are focused on Paige, the real murderer is still out there, possibly waiting to strike again…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:


MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH, 11:10 PM PACIFIC TIME

CANYON COUNTRY, CALIFORNIA


THE MARK WAS IN HIS FORTIES, had no kids, and worked a white-collar job. Average height, average looks. Nothing was truly memorable about him except for his uncommon first name, and that was only because it belonged to a character from a popular eighties movie.

Ferris Hall.

She had followed him to some honky-tonk in Canyon Country, an unsavory location at any time of day, but factor in the late hour and it was even worse. But Ferris had chosen this dive as his hunting ground. Women were easier to lure in with a little chemical persuasion, and that was easy to pass off around here.

He entered the bar with head held high, his back straight, the tease of a smirk on his lips—the end of the evening a foregone conclusion in his mind. He was sipping on his first bourbon, though he was acting as if he was on his third by slurring his words and talking loudly. He’d even thrown a sway into his swagger. Somehow he always managed to make his eyes look bloodshot, too, furthering the charade. And the women would come. And the women would fall for his tricks.

Tonight, she’d be that woman, but she’d be his last. He had to learn there was a price to pay for his actions.

She was sitting down the bar from him. Occasionally, he’d pass her a look—the predatory kind that made her blood boil. She smiled at him, doing her best to convey carnal hunger with her gaze, smearing on a seductive curve to her lips. She dipped her finger into her manhattan and sucked on it—the cherry juice sweet, the whiskey bitter.

Ferris was off his stool and sidling up her to within three seconds.

The ruse worked every time. It also helped that she exploited what nature had given her—a slender frame and shapely legs. High heels accentuated her well-defined calf muscles, and men stared when she walked into a room. When she paired even higher stilettos with a short skirt and crossed her legs, men’s mouths tended to fall open. She utilized all these virtues tonight.

She flashed another sultry smile, and he lifted his glass toward her before tilting his own back and draining it. He set it back on the bar and knocked on it to get the bartender’s attention.

“I’ll have another on the rocks and—” he rolled his head toward her “—get the lady whatever she’d like.”

Time to feign innocence and flattery.

She waved a dismissive hand in his direction. “I really shouldn’t.”

She saw the quick look he gave her glass before meeting her eyes again. “Nonsense. Please, it would be my treat.”

If she stripped his voice of its candy-coated tone, his words were pushy and controlling.

“Well”—she angled her glass, showing how little of her drink she had left—“only if you’re sure.”

If she had actually been given a chance to prove her acting skills, she could be living in a sprawling mansion by now.

“Absolutely. What will it be?” Ferris asked, a grin teasing his lips as he tugged down on his left earlobe. It wasn’t hard for her to figure out what was going on. Ferris was asking for something “special” to be added to her drink—the “special” being some kind of date-rape drug.

She lifted her glass to the bartender. “Another manhattan.”

“Coming right up.” The tender left to make their drinks, and she watched him, taking the time to calm her heartbeat and flow of adrenaline.

“I like a woman who can handle her whiskey.” Ferris was looking quite comfortable beside her now. He was fully facing her, his left elbow perched on the counter, and he wasn’t discreet about his drifting gaze, which gravitated to her thighs.

“What can I say? I’m a little whiskey girl.” The words from the country song rolled off her tongue, cinching her gut, but she had to do what was necessary to pull him in.

“Toby Keith,” he said.

“Pardon?”

“Toby Keith.” He pointed to a speaker on the ceiling. “The singer who sings that one.”

“Ah, yes.” And here, she thought she was doing well by knowing it was even a country song. She smiled at him again. He truly thought of himself as a woman’s man.

Pathetic.

“Have I seen you here before?” he asked.

She dipped her head.

“I knew it. I never forget a beautiful face. So what’s your name?”

“Names really aren’t important, are they, baby?” She extended her hand, her long, narrow fingers bowing before him in feminine elegance.

“Oh, she’s mysterious. I like it.” He kissed the back of her hand, and she was proud of herself for not rolling her eyes.

The bartender returned and placed their drinks in front of them. “Here you go.”

From her observations, Ferris seemed to keep a running tab here. Rape now, pay later?

Oh, and Ferris would pay…

“You never told me your name,” she said, falling into her role.

“Oh, I can tell you mine, but you can’t—”

“Uh-huh.” She sucked on the tip of her finger again.

“Ferris.” He still held onto her other hand, and she pulled it back shyly.

“Are you from around here?” she asked, resorting to the necessity of small talk.

“I just fly in from time to time for business.”

“Ah.” She’d have to call upon her acting skills for this performance. She knew he lived less than three miles away from this place. “What business?”

He tapped his jacket pockets, then slid a hand inside one. “How embarrassing. I don’t have any cards with me. Besides, I don’t really want to bore you. Why don’t we talk about you?” He leaned toward her and lifted his rocks glass. “To a fun night.”

“To one we won’t remember.”

They toasted, and he took a long pull of the amber liquid. She pressed her own glass to her lips and pretended to take a sip.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~





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AUTHOR INTERVIEW:


Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
This book is for those who love a gritty police procedural. It’s perfect for fans of Criminal Minds, Silence of the Lambs, Seven, Dexter, Luther, and True Crime.

And while this book might be fiction, it touches on a current issue and it affects more people than we might realize. I can't disclose too much without giving away information on the killer so people will have to read the book to fully appreciate what I mean by this.
However, I can say that this book carries a couple deeper messages.

One, is the importance of living in the now without obsessing over the past. It shows what can happen when we give the past power over us.

Two, we all have the right to make choices without judgment from society, but unfortunately humans can be quick to judge. Violated is about being true to ourselves in spite of society’s approval or disapproval.


How did you come up with the title of your book or series?
The title just came to me, but it’s perfect for at least a couple reasons. You’ll need to read the book to discover them.


Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

There is a sexual element to this story so I wanted it to have the image of a beautiful woman on the cover alongside the darkness that is conjured to mind at the sight of a cheap motel.


What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect more books. The only way I’d stop writing is if I physically or mentality didn’t have the capability of doing so. I intend to take an active part in writer’s conferences, including speaking on panels. I have my eye on The New York Times bestselling list. I also intend to sharpen my public speaking skills so that I can motivate and inspire large crowds of people.


What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Please review on the retailer site where you purchased the book and on Goodreads if you are active there.


Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Break down the large goal of writing a book into manageable “bites” but remain consistent. Set aside time in your schedule to write, allot a word target for the day, and follow through.

Another tip is to always remember why you write and for whom. This will help keep you focused on your own motivations and less influenced by those who might wish to tear you down.


Is there anything else you’d like to say?
This book is definitely gritty and there is some graphic violence. It’s a gripping journey through loss, obsession, and the pursuit of justice.



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:


CAROLYN ARNOLD is the international best-selling and award-winning author of the Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher, and McKinley Mystery series. She is the only author with POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.™

Carolyn was born in a small town, but that doesn’t keep her from dreaming big. And on par with her large dreams is her overactive imagination that conjures up killers and cases to solve. She currently lives in a city near Toronto with her husband and beagle. She is also a member of Crime Writers of Canada.


Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:


Website - http://carolynarnold.net/


Twitter - https://twitter.com/Carolyn_Arnold


Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold


And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.


Buy Links:

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GIVEAWAY 


Carolyn Arnold will be awarding $25 through PayPal to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
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