April 2016 edition by The Book Breeze

Reviews, Interviews, New Releases

Vol 6 Issue 3

April 2016

Interview with

Award winning author and investigative reporter

Hank Phillippi Ryan Articles

Writing the Line What makes Christian literature Christian by Delia Latham BOOK EXCERPTS

PRIME TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan BELOVED ENEMY by Hywela Lyn

Interview with author and playwriter Trisha Sugarek

THE TASTE OF MURDER by Trisha Sugarek

MOVE YOUR BLOOMING CORPSE by D.E. Ireland

turn the page c

in this issue

April 2016

On the cover ... Hank Phillippi Ryan

What You See Prime Time The Other Woman Face Time The Wrong Girl Drive Time Truth Be Told Air Time Writes of Passage See her interview on page 4

Review Columns

Romance Jackie’s Jargon . . . Page 8

Mystery Roberta’s Ramblings . . . Page 12

Interviews ... Mystery author Trisha Sugarek Page 10

Book Excerpts

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy The Eclectic Express . . . Page 23

PRIME TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan . . . Page 5

Articles

THE TASTE OF MURDER by Trisha Sugarek . . . Page 11

Writing the Line - What makes Christian literature Christian by Delia Latham . . . Page 7

BELOVED ENEMY by Hywela Lyn . . .Page 9

MOVE YOUR BLOOMING CORPSE by D.E. Ireland . . . Page 13

New Releases Everywhere

Time Travel Romance

"What's going on?" she asked, leaning over the banister, one bare foot dropping over the edge of the step. "I think you better go on back up, Miss. It wouldn't be proper for you to be seen dressed like this." The valet had no more finished speaking when, as though in response to his words, the music drifted away in mid-strain and the whispering became louder. The violin bows grew still and the soft flute became silent. The dance room seemed to have frozen and there were entirely too many eyes turned in her direction. Erika scanned the room of faces - faces she had never seen before. Several pale skinned women stared at her from behind their open fans and others from behind crystal goblets poised at their lips. A couple of men blew cigar smoke into the air as they watched her. "Who is she?" Their whispered words, spoken by voices unchecked, drifted clearly to Erika's ears. "Hardly dressed at all." "A man's shirt." "Of all the nerve." "You'd expect this kind of thing under the hill, but how did that trollop get in here?" What were they talking about? Her eyes paused on a man in the back of the room whose face stood out from the others. His eyes locked with hers across the crowded room. She inhaled sharply. It was him! It was the man she had seen riding up on the black stallion - the man in the portrait hanging in the parlor. Once again he was staring at her with that intensity that made her hands quiver. The passion in his gaze frightened her. His eyes slowly caressed her body down to her bare feet and slid back up to imprison her eyes. He weaved his way across the ballroom, then started up the stairs. He spoke. But she couldn't make out his words.

ÂŠ 2016The Book Breeze Page 3

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the on-air investigative reporter for

Boston's NBC affiliate, winning 33 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors. The bestselling author of eight mysteries, Ryan's also an award-winner in her second profession—now with five Agathas, two Anthonys, two Macavitys, the Daphne, and Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her TRUTH BE TOLD won the 2015 Agatha, and she edited the 2015 Agatha-winning non-fiction WRITES OF PASSAGE. Critics call her “a superb and gifted story-teller.” A founder of MWA University, Hank was 2013 president of Sisters in Crime. Her newest book, WHAT YOU SEE, is a Library Journal Best of 2015.

Tell us about your new release. Well, depends on what you mean by new! My newest thriller WHAT YOU SEE was just nominated for the Agatha for Best Mystery of the Year, so that's fabulous. As you know you can read my books in any order, but it’s the fourth Jane Ryland adventure. Here's what got me thinking about WHAT YOU SEE: what if you realized you were married to someone who had lied to you from moment one? Who was not who they said they were. What if you completely fell for it? And then, as the real truth begins to emerge, and he figures he'll get caught, he takes your daughter and tell you you'll never see her again. What would it be like to know your whole life was based on a lie?

Couple that with the constant surveillance in our lives… Cameras watching us wherever we go. How could that deception and that surveillance mesh to make a pageturning thriller? What if WHAT YOU SEE in surveillance, or in photographs, or on a computer monitor—is not the truth? And that is WHAT YOU SEE. (Which, if I may add, is also a Library Journal Best of 2015.)

But you said it depends on what you mean by new? What does that mean? Oh, that’s such a great story. My very first mystery is also new. Again! The first of the Charlotte McNally series, called PRIME TIME, had been out of print for a little while. But there was so much interest in it, my new publisher snagged the rights and decided to bring it back! So now the fun, funny, and fast-paced Charlie McNally mysteries are available again! PRIME TIME won the Agatha Award for best first mystery, and the other three (so far) in the series, all bestsellers and award nominees, will be out every other month this year. I am so fond of these four books in the Charlie series, and I'm thrilled that new readers will be introduced to them. What led you to write this book? PRIME TIME? Well, I remember it perfectly. A life-changing moment, right? One day at work, at Channel 7/NBC Boston, where I have been a reporter for so many years :) , I was deleting spam emails from my computer, and

opened one by mistake. What was in that email spam was so shocking, I thought… Well I'm not going to tell you. Because it would spoil the book! But that spam email was the impetus for PRIME TIME, and I promise: when you read the book, you will never look at your own email the same way again.

Did you have an interesting experience in the research of this book? Oh, in my 40 years as a reporter ,I have wired myself with hidden cameras, confronted corrupt politicians, gone undercover and in disguise! I've had people confess to murder, handled crime scenes, covered fires and swat ream situations and tear gas and hurricanes and on and on… our stories have changed laws and changed lives. So it is a real joy to be able to share that authenticity with readers, you know? The high stress and the highstakes, the responsibility, the joy--and the disappointment and the triumphs. Being a reporter, I never know what will happen in the next moment! It’s exciting, and terrifying, and wonderful… And I am so delighted to be able to convey that in the Charlotte McNally and Jane Ryland books. Are any of your characters loosely based on people you know in real life? Oh gosh, I confess, since it's only between us, there is a lot of me in Charlie McNally. She's determined, and a dedicated journalist, and worries what happens to a person who's married to her job in television when the camera doesn't love her anymore. Because of that, I'm always so gratified when people say oh, I love Charlie , she's so fun and funny and smart, I wish she could be my friend. And I think, smiling to myself, well thank you!

As for others? Well, there’s no one based on a real person… Okay. I will confess that Charlie’s mother, Mrs. McNally, is exactly my mom. She recognized herself, too. And loved it.

Do you know the end of your books before you write it? No! I really don't. I don't use an outline, so the only way I know what happens next is by writing the next word and the next sentence and the next scene.. Is it a constant surprise what happens. When I got almost to the end of

WHAT YOU SEE, I flounced into the living room, in despair, and said to my husband “I cannot solve the mystery I created for myself! This puzzle is just too difficult!“ My husband said, “Well, honey? You're almost done with the book, you certainly know who the bad guy is, don't you?” And I just paused and said, “Well, no. I don't.

And when I finally figured out what happened in WHAT YOU SEE, I was by myself in my study, and I stood up and applauded. I was so pleased with the ending! So when people say to me: the ending of your books always surprise me! I say yes don't they? They surprised me, too! Talk about a surprise ending--I surprise myself. And I hope that always happens! What do you do when you are not writing? Well, my husband would tell you, I am thinking about writing! I have a very demanding job as a television reporter, so research and writing and shooting and editing for that takes up a big chunk of time. I am working on my next book right now, and that takes up the rest of the time! I must say, it is quite a juggle. Cooking was the first to go… My husband will be the first to tell you. And we have not taken a vacation in many years. But the joy of writing overcomes everything else. Which book impacted you as a teenager? It's funny, because I remember the books I read as a kid, mysteries with Nancy Drew, and Sherlock Holmes, and Hercule Poirot. Oh, and the Edward Eager fantasies, and Jane Langton’s Diamond in the Window. And A Wrinkle in Ti,e. And Visit to the Mushroom Planet.

As a teenager I remember sneaking Marjorie Morningstar from my parents’ bookshelf, (I think I thought it would be racy!) and I madly read political thrillers, isn't that funny? Like Failsafe and Alas, Babylon and Seven Days in May and On the Beach. (You can tell I am a child of the sixties!)

But that's when I fell in love with storytelling, and suspense, and realized I loved that kind of page turning , unputdownable thriller. It's the kind of book I love to read now, too!

So-What are you reading now? My night table pile is way too tall! Right now I am reading the fabulous Gregg Hurwitz ‘s ORPHAN X, a new book by Brunonia Barry (she wrote The Lace Reader) called The Fifth Petal (a wonderfully creepy story about modern-day Salem witches), and Chris Pavone’s new international thriller The Travelers. All fabulous. I just finished Gilly Macmillan’s What She Knew, also terrific. I cannot wait for the new Lisa Unger, and the new Jeffrey Deaver. So many books! (If you have a favorite, let me know! Just come to my website http://www.HankPhillippiRyan.com and click on contact. Mention this blog—and I’ll send you a special gift!)

What social media do you participate in? Oh please, don't ask me about this. I am very fond of Facebook, I will admit it, and hope you all will come find me on Hank Phillippi Ryan author page. I have lots of fun and contests and a lot of inside scoop. I know, I know, it's bad for me. It gets in the way of writing. But it is irresistible. I'm also on Twitter, and Instagram. Way too much.But I always always answer emails from readers—just click Contact on my webpage—and it comes directly to me!

What’s next for you? Hurray! I just hit “send” on the final final edit of my brandnew book SAY NO MORE, and my editor says it’s the best yet! It comes out November 2016. So exciting—and I have to say I love this book. It's all about the power of silence, and how keeping quiet may be the most dangerous weapon of all. Would you share an excerpt from your book? Here’s a bit from the Charlotte McNally mystery PRIME TIME. And oh, thank you! LOVE these questions! When I arrive at the cemetery, a long, slowmoving caravan of cars is snaking down a narrow unpaved road, each car puffing up a plume of gravel dust as it curves past a stone and masonry sign that says “Eventide.” I ease my Jeep onto the end of the line, and pushing my conscience out of the way, flip the switch to turn on my headlights. It’s Mack Briggs’ funeral procession, and now I’m part of it.

The cars line up to park, one after the other, on the side of a grassy rise. Beyond that, I see a dark green canopy set up on metal poles, rows of folding chairs underneath. The first arrivals file into the seating area, men in substantial overcoats, hatless, braving the cold. Women wrapped in extra shawls and close-fitting hats against the increasing chill, their faces somber and serious, some holding flowers and little prayer books. A little boy carrying a firetruck stumbles a bit in the gravel, and as he grabs the hand of the man walking next to him. I can tell they’ve both been crying. A flock of gray birds wheels gracefully over the mourners, gliding through the dusky sky then leaving the cemetery silent.

It’s almost time for me to turn into the parking area, but now, sneaking into someone’s funeral, my conscience kicks its way back in. Questioning my own motives and attempting to retrieve my moral compass, all I can think about is getting out of here. This is a hideous invasion of privacy. This is why people hate reporters. It’s shocking, unacceptable, certainly a no-refund no-exchange ticket to hell and eternal damnation. Continued on page 6

Excerpt from PRIME TIME continued from page 5

But I can save myself. All I have to do is say, I made a mistake. I’m in the wrong place, forgive me, I thought this was someone else’s service. I’m so sorry, big adios, and exit. But, I hafta know…

I look up, and a dark suited attendant is waving me into the next spot. I follow his directions, lock my better judgment in the glove compartment, and get out of the car.

Staking out a spot behind the rows of folding chairs, I try to stay hidden by an ancient maple tree. No one seems to notice me, but problem is, I can only see backs of heads, which is no help at all in my search for suspects. I thought I might recognize someone or get some clue by coming here, like the FBI agents who shadow the edges of organized crime funerals to see if some fugitive mob boss, inexorably drawn to the burial of his arch rival, sneaks out of hiding to savor a final moment of gangster revenge. So much for that idea. The minister looks up from this Bible, scanning the group, squinting with stern disapproval. The mourners look at each other, concerned and upset. I suddenly hear why—someone’s cell phone is trilling, muffled slightly but still a disastrous breach of etiquette for some poor--

I dive for my purse, whirling to put the tree between me and the service. It’s my phone. I plow though my bag and smash the off button without even looking at my caller ID. Good work, I congratulate myself. Subtle.

I lean against the tree, holding my breath. A moment’s pause, and the minister continues. I wait, envisioning some black-suited funeral home goons picking me up by the elbows and throwing me head over heels out of the cemetery.

I’m clammy with my imminent doom. No one at the station even knows I’m here, so Kevin O’Bannon can totally cut me loose, point to some clause in my rapidly expiring contract that says I’m legally on my own if I do something that he, the news director, doesn’t know about. I’ll be instantly fired. I see my entire life savings, including my plastic surgery fund, heading into the coffers of lawyers and going to pay huge fines. Course they don’t teach in J-school: Deniability 101: Make sure you get permission for everything.

The minister’s head is bowed again, and it sounds like he’s nearing the end of the service. The mourners seem to be focused on their sorrow and not some misfit with a cell phone. No goons in sight.

I echo their murmured “Amen,” and then watch the group move to pay their final respects as the casket is lowered. I’m almost in the clear. No lawsuits, no headlines. I’ll just hang here until the funeral is over and pretend the whole thing never happened. I admit I still haven’t seen anyone I recognize, which is a bummer, but on the bright side, no one has recognized me, either. “Charlie McNally?”

Busted.

What makes Christian romance "Christian"?

Writers, please understand before you try to write an inspirational romance: Placing characters inside a church building on Sunday mornings, or having them say grace before a meal does not make a novel inspirational.

If I had to sum up the essence of inspirational romance in one word, I'd use "relationship." The major difference in a secular romance and an inspirational one really is that simple: the emotional connection (relationship) between the hero and heroine, and between the characters and God.

Aside from the stringent expectation of quality writing, certain additional standards exist in the world of Christian fiction. A writer hoping to place a manuscript in this market would do well to become familiar with those finely drawn lines and stay well within their borders. I can point out the right direction. You'll have to choose the roads. 1. The sensuality meter

I was once challenged by someone who felt the words "Christian" and "romance" conflicted.

"You cannot write about romance and call it a Christian book," he stated. "Christians don't partake in romance, at least not until after they're married. And no one wants to read about that stuff between a husband and wife. What's the point?" How sad, this inability to distinguish between sex and romance! Let me try to make it easy.

Romance is the wooing of another's heart and the emotions involved in that courtship. Sex is the physical consummation of a physical attraction (no relationship necessary).

In a Christian romance, sex is off limits for the unmarried hero/heroine, and takes place behind closed doors for married ones. What's left? Relationship.

That said, eliminating blatant sexual activity is not the beall and end-all of an inspirational novel. What is important is the interweaving of the characters' spiritual journeys into their lives—and that includes their romantic overtures.

Physical attraction should be a part of the story, but it will be communicated through emotions instead of hormones. He may notice the way the heroine's dress accentuates her curves, but he won't focus on those curves. He'll be drawn to her sense of humor, her generosity, her sweetness of spirit. Neither is she blind to how he looks in those hiphugging jeans, or the way his muscles bulge when he ropes that heifer. But her emotional reactions will supersede any physical ones. She'll be moved by his gentleness with an injured animal…touched by the respectful way he handles an annoying elderly neighbor… moved to tears by his love for children. 2. Christian protagonists

A Christian romance will focus on two relationships:

the one developing between the hero and heroine, and the one between those characters and Christ. (This one must be clearly defined, either from the start of the story, or by the end of it.) It is acceptable to start a book with a protagonist who doesn't know or is estranged from God, but that spiritual rapport will grow and evolve throughout the storyline and must be reconciled by the last page. 3. Dealing with sin

In real life, Christian people live with and among nonChristians. So it is within the pages of a book. Contributing characters may smoke or drink, get pregnant before marriage, have abortions, cheat, steal, lie…even murder. That's life. These characters' non-conformity to a godly lifestyle adds color to the storyline. It is crucial, however, that the main characters either stay on the straight path or find it. 4. Preaching

Ultimate challenge: Do all of the above without turning the story into a sermon. Readers read for entertainment and escape—not a class on Christianity. Any message the author wishes to deliver must be woven seamlessly into the storyline. The reader should not be aware of any spiritual lesson…until it's already learned.

What makes Christian fiction Christian? The differences aren't many, but mighty. I like to think of it as giving my readers a touch of Heaven in an earthly tale. Why wouldn't I write on this side of the line?

Jackie’s Jargon

ROMANCE REVIEWS BY JACKIE MCMURRAY

Some of my favorite romance reads for your spring reading.

Women’s Fiction – A Fireproof Home for the Bride by Amy Scheibe A compelling coming-of-age story set in North Dakota and Minnesota during the 1950s. Scheibe tackles the unsettling themes of family secrets, racial unrest, and small town politics through the main character, Emmaline Nelson. Unlike many other young women in the 1950s, Emmaline wants more for herself than settling down with a man and raising a family. She lands a job at the newspaper office as a switchboard operator. She dreams of becoming a reporter. Little does she know that her research for the newspaper leads her to painful family secrets. This story stayed with me for a long time.

Paranormal Romantic Suspense – Chasing Victory, The Winters Sisters, Book 1 by Joanne Jaytanie There are no whimpering females or laid-back males in Jaytanie’s debut novel, Chasing Victory. Instead, the reader gets a fast-paced suspense populated by a kick-ass heroine, a determined military undercover agent, and a murderous villain.

In Chasing Victory, Jaytanie seamlessly managed to weave elements of three genres together—paranormal, romance, and suspense—into one neat package.

Chasing Victory is the first book in the Winters Sisters Series, and while each book in the series can stand alone, I recommend you start with this book and read your way through each book in the series.

Sweet Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit – Fooling Around with Cinderella, A Storybook Valley Novel by Stacy Juba

The story loosely follows the tale of Cinderella, including two sisters who take advantage of the heroine, Jaine Andersen. Her prince, Dylan Callahan, is the general manager of Storybook Valley. When Jaine approaches him to propose hiring her to do the park’s marketing, he agrees, but only if she’ll finish the summer season as the park’s Cinderella before she moves into the marketing position.

Juba’s writing style is witty and her ability to keep the reader in the storybook world is great. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Historical Romance – Save My Place by Olivia deBelle Byrd Olivia deBelle Byrd takes the reader on an emotional ride with the ever hopeful heroine, Elisabeth Belle Sterling, a Southern woman through and through. The book is based on the real life events of a friend of the author and told from Elisabeth’s point of view. The book starts with Elisabeth’s proclamation that she will be a spinster. She’s only twenty-two, but she’s determined to stay a spinster after her college boyfriend dumps her right after graduation. She believes nothing can sway her, that is, until she meets Kincaid Patterson on a blind date.

Save My Place is a story of faith, hope, and unconditional love. The narrator’s voice is compelling and leads the reader through a maze of highs and lows in a manner that had me feeling what she felt—laughter, relief, frustration, anger, love and loss. Christian Western Romance Convince Me Cowboy: A Bellham Romance by Danita Cahill

Convince Me Cowboy starts with all the reasons Shay Monahan will not fall for a cowboyagain—especially not a rodeo cowboy. Her heart was already broken when she discovered the rodeo cowboy she married was sowing his oats across the rodeo circuit. Now that she is divorced, she dismisses the notion of ever dating a cowboy again.

Cahill does a fine job of giving the reader both points of view of the main characters who both do a great deal of trying to talk themselves out of falling for the other while being thrown together into some intimate moments.

I loved the setting. I could feel the grit on my teeth at the rodeo grounds and visualize the horsesand the ranches. Convince Me Cowboy is a clean romance that kept my attention while I waited for the heroine to sort through her trepidation. There’s just something about cowboys, isn’t there?

Book Excerpt

BELOVED ENEMY by Hywela Lyn

Cat Kincaid is obsessed with killing the man she believes is responsible for the torture and death of her sister, but when she eventually catches up with him, survival becomes a greater priority than revenge.

Kerry Marchant, haunted by memories, regret and self-blame, shields himself from the pain of the past by committing himself totally to the starship, Destiny, of which he is part owner. However, the beautiful, red haired woman who reminds him of his lost love, and who he suspects is working for a corrupt regime, represents a possible threat not only to the ship, but to his heart.

Marooned on an inhospitable planet, they need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him?

Gravel and pebbles dug into her skin through the fabric of her clothing, as something dragged her toward the edge of the bank. She bit back a cry of horror as she glanced over her shoulder at the thing twining itself around her leg. An icy fear went through her. Snakes—the only creatures she really feared. She aimed her pistol and then realized it was not a serpent that dragged her toward the river, but a long, rubbery tentacle fastened around the tough material of her leggings and boot.

from the water droplets that still clung to his skin, his legs swathed in tight black leather, did nothing to help. The last thing she wanted was for him to realise how scared she’d been when she thought a snake attacked her. “Thanks. That was close. It would have been a bit ironic if I’d been killed by the same creature I saved you from.”

Before she could fire, Kerry let off another barrage of plasma bolts into the river, then leapt toward her and ripped the severed tentacle from her leg. It flapped around on the wet grass. She scrambled to her knees, still slightly winded and fired at the hideous thing. The foliage around it flared for a moment with an eerie green flame and the tentacle shrivelled into a slimy black mass, emitting a pungent odour and causing her to gag for a moment.

“It seems I was mistaken about the creature being dead.” Kerry prodded the smouldering mass with his boot and looked across over the water. “It is now.” He leaned down and grasped her wrist to haul her to her feet. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Her shoulder was sore and probably bruised but she’d live. She tried to control her shivering. The incident affected her more than she wanted to admit. Kerry’s proximity, naked to the waist, his lithe body shining

She realized he still grasped her wrist. She tried to move away, but he pulled her back, obliging her to turn to him. “You are trembling.” “I’m fine.”

“No,” he said. “You’re not.” He pulled her closer and his eyes softened, his gaze holding her mesmerized. She opened her mouth to try to speak, but in the same instant he put his hand under her chin and his lips closed over hers. For a brief moment, she tried to resist but found herself drawn into his kiss as he deepened it, his hand brushing lightly through her hair. For a long moment, time seemed to stand still, and nothing mattered except his lips burning on hers. His tongue teased her own, demanding and insistent, his lips incredibly sensuous, firm, caressing. Through the thin material of her shirt, Cat felt the warmth of his bare chest pressed hard against her breasts. The cold metal of the capsule he obviously did not take off, even to bathe, dug into her skin, but the slight discomfort was nothing compared to the turmoil in her mind.

Trisha Sugarek has been writing since the eighth grade. She has enjoyed a twenty year career writing stage plays, fiction, children’s books and poetry. In addition to a half a dozen full length plays, she expanded her body of work to include eight novels, of which five are a series of murder mysteries. She has written a collection of ten minute plays for the classroom. An acting career led to directing then to writing. Most recently she created four journal/handbooks (instructional) for writers.

Trisha lives in Savannah, Georgia with her two golden retrievers, Miss Molly and Gus and their cat, Fiona. www.writeratplay.com

Tell us about your new release. THE TASTE OF MURDER is book #5 in my true crime mystery series. Detectives O'Roarke and Garcia have a cold case dumped on their desk. Despite their objections that they 'don't do cold cases' their Commander tells them that they do now since the new Mayor has asked for them. Three years earlier a relative of the mayor's was murdered and the case was never solved. The cold case plunges the murder cops into the world of television and competitive cooking shows. What led you to write this book? After reading my ten minute play, The Art of Murder, my fans wanted more. So I wrote book one. Then they insisted that I had a series and…the rest is history. I am currently working on Book #6.

Which is more important characters or setting? Because of my theatre background (actor, director, playwright) I would have to say characters. I have written over 45 stage plays and since the characters alone move the story along, I think I have become quite adept at writing dialogue. Directing is all about ‘control’. When and why the actors should move: is the ‘picture’ on stage pleasing or discordant with regard to the dialogue? Is the actor giving the director the emotion (whatever it is) that the director needs? Does the lighting enhance what is going on and not distract? I’ve often joked that directing actors is like herding a bunch of chickens. It takes a strong, steady hand. Writing, for me, is the opposite. You will have a better story in the end, if you give up control. I am a writer whose characters almost always take control of their own stories leaving me to become the typist. In interviewing other bestselling authors, I am not unique. It happens to others as well.

Are any of your characters loosely based on people you know in real life? Yes. My mother in Wild Violets (novel), my aunt in Song of the Yukon (novel) and my mother and her six sisters in The Guyer Girls (play). While writing Women Outside the Walls, I met several women whose husbands and sons had been incarcerated.

What do you hope readers take away from your work? In reference to my 10 minute plays for the classroom: These short plays address real life issues in a teen’s life.

From running away to cutting, to bullying, to teen dating violence, my hope is that the plays open a dialogue between students or students and teachers. What do you do when you are not writing? I am a voracious reader. Other writers inspire me. I read for pleasure because my life is so full of researching for a new book. I maintain posting to my blog twice a week and interviewing best-selling authors once a month. What is #1 on your bucket list? To return to Ireland and write.

Have you ever written a scene that ‘creeped’ you out? Angel of Murder, book # 4 In my true crime mystery series I delved into the killer’s mind and at times got very uncomfortable with his thoughts and actions.

Do you have a favorite writing place or writing rituals? My studio which is filled with my own art work, memorabilia from my theatre years, and framed book covers.

My rituals are a very messy desk, a cup of hot espresso coffee with milk, and total silence. My Golden Retrievers lay at my feet, sleeping. But always there for me should I need feedback.

Do you have a reoccurring theme to your books? Yes with regard to my murder mystery series. My two murder cops, Detectives O’Roarke and Garcia work the streets of New York. I guess you could say my other fiction has a recurring theme as they tell the stories of strong, independent women.

What’s next for you? I am currently working on two projects. Book #6, (Beneath) The Bridge of Murder and what I call my saga, Song of the Yukon which tells the true story of my aunt who ran away, at age seventeen, to Alaska and homesteaded in the 1920’s. This is the kind of book that needs some rest between creating and research. I am, after all, writing about Alaska and, specifically, Fairbanks when it was a single building trading post for miners, homesteaders, tramps and thieves. I just completed and published another ten minute play, The Trans-G Kid.

Excerpt from THE TASTE OF MURDER by Trisha Sugarek

©The contestants were called back to the set and lined up in front of the judges. Steve reiterated for the viewing audience the ingredients of the shopping bag. He then called on the first chef to present their dish which, by now, was sitting in front of each of the judges.

Cutlery was replaced with new and makeup artists scurried away.

The judges sampled the dish and gave their critiques.

The three judges sampled the plate, chewing and eyeing the contestants.

“Judges, I have prepared for you, duck in an orange and veal sauce with a brussel sprouts and apple slaw.” Chef Lisa Brownley told them.

“Chef Lisa,” Jeff Kirikos spoke, “the dish’s presentation is beautiful…” “Thank you, Chef,” Lisa replied.

“…however, the orange in the veal sauce is a little overwhelming.” “Wow, really? You think?” Lisa’s tone was sarcastic at the judge’s critique.

“Chef Alex, tell the judges about your entrée.”

The camera zoomed in on a perfectly plated dish.

“Judges, I prepared a sweet and sour duck, making a sauce using the cotton candy, red wine and veal demi-glace. With pan roasted brussel sprouts with pancetta. Please enjoy!”

“Very nice,” Matt Murphy was the first to speak. “The sweet and sour is delicate and doesn’t over-whelm the duck. It’s the best entrée for my palate.” “Thank you Chef,” Alex beamed.

While the other judges critiqued the dish, Kirikos was practically gobbling his entrée. He was clearly a big fan of the sweet and sour sauce.

Alexis Gemignani jumped in, “I disagree with Chef Jeff and I love the raw sprouts and apple slaw. It adds a nice fresh taste.”

“Adding the pancetta to the roasted sprouts,” Judge Alexis Gemignani began, “was a brilliant move. Repurposing cooked duck is not easy but you were able to do it successfully.

“Thank you, Chef.” Lisa smiled at the judge.

“Judge Matt Murphy, what do you think?” Steve asked.

Also many contestants either drown the protein in sauce or don’t put enough on the plate. Here you also succeeded. I would put this on my restaurant’s menu.”

“I’m not a fan of raw brussel sprouts but overall the dish was good.”

The cameras went black while Chef Lisa’s dish was removed and the next entrée was placed in front of the judges.

“I need fresh water here, please,” Jeff Kirikos said. A crew member rushed in with a pitcher of cold water. A makeup person hurried over to remove shine from Alexis’ nose. “Clear the set, people. We’re rolling,” the director yelled.

“Chef Suzette, what have you prepared for our judges?” the host asked. “I have prepared Peking duck won tons for you with a sweet potato mash,” the contestant explained. The three judges sampled the won tons and smiled.

“Very creative, chef,” Alexis Gemignani smiled. “Delicious.” Matt chimed in. “Very nice, but I find the portion a little large, Chef.” The camera panned to the third judge, Jeff Kirikos.

“I like the won ton idea very much. Unfortunately I got an inedible and rather large piece of duck skin in one of mine.” Suzette blushed. “I’m sorry, Chef.”

The process was repeated; the won tons were removed and three attractive dishes with duck nestled in sauce and perfectly cooked brussel sprouts were placed before the judges.

country.

“Thank you so much, Chef.” Alex was beside himself at the praise from one of the finest chefs in the

Suddenly Jeff Kirikos, sitting next to Alexis, began to cough and claw at his shirt collar. Alexis turned to him; the director yelled ‘Cut!’ The Chef’s personal assistant, standing behind the cameras, began to walk quickly to him. Before anyone could react Jeff fell forward, his face landing in the almost empty plate of sweet and sour duck.

Chef Alexis stood, her chair tumbling over. “Jeff!” she bent over the prostate form of the unconscious man. Chef Matt rose and crossed to Jeff, sitting him up. The director yelled, “Call 9-1-1! Get those guys off the set!” He waved in the general direction of the contestants.

An assistant producer herded the contestants off the set and back towards the green room doors. “Fuck! Is he gonna be all right?” Alex asked.

“Jesus, what just happened?” Lisa said as she was ushered through the doors. “We’re screwed,” Suzette muttered.

Steve Parsons grabbed a napkin and began to wipe sauce and duck from Jeff’s face and spoke to him in low tones. “Jeff, can you hear me? Come on, buddy, wake up.”

A bloody brown foam trickled from the lips of the world renowned chef.

Roberta’s Ramblings Some Cozies for spring reading:

by Roberta Rogow

Kate Carlisle takes us to small-town California in her latest Fixer-up Mystery, CROWNED AND MOLDERING (Obsidian, 2015, $7.99). Shannon Hammer, the construction expert of Lighthouse Cove, is ready to tackle best-selling author Mac Sullivan's project, restoing the old lighthouse that gives the town its name. After all the hassles with the local historian, both Shannon and Mac are more than eager to gut the place. But everything comes to a halt when the body of a young woman is found jammed into the dumbwaiter, and it looks like a town mystery is about to be solved. The body is identified as an old friend of Shannon's who disappeared fifteen years before. Suspect in her murder include many of Shannon's high school classmates, a charismatic teacher, and a school counselor whose position owes more to politics than to competency. Then there's another murder, and Shannon knows she has to act quickly to prevent a terrible miscarriage of justice. Bits of construction lore are sandwiched between clues in this look at the nastier side of small-town life. A small village in Ireland is the scene of A TURN FOR THE BAD, by Sheila Connolly (Berkley, 2016, $7.99). Maura Donovan is still finding her feet as the proprietor Sullivan's Pub in Leap when a farmer announces that one of their own has gone missing. John Tully was a dairy farmer, not a fisherman, so why was he taken off the beach, leaving his young son alone? What has this to do with the body of an unknown man that washes up soon after? And who owns the grand boat that's been lurking in the bay?

Smuggling has been a part of Irish life for centuries, but Tully had no connection with it... or so his brother says. Maura concocts a Plan that involves almost everyone in the village, from a pair of fishermen-turned-distillers to the local lord, and finds that the hardest part of being a pubowner is waiting for other people to do things! Another Irish jaunt, with more to come.

More foreign affairs back in the USA, in Julie Hyzy's latest White House Chef mystery, FOREIGN ECLAIRS (Berkley, 2016,$7.99. White House chef Ollie Paras has had her share of adventures, but she doesn't realize how serious her danger is until her purse is stolen on her way back home from work. Her new husband, Gav, knows more than she

does about who is behind the mugging, but things get serious when an explosive device is found in a National Forest. Ollie is the target of a dangerous madman, one who will stop at nothing, including the assassination of the President of the United States, to complete his selfappointed revenge. There's a shocker of an ending, and a possible new career for Ollie, in this nail-biter that includes many recipes fit for a king... or a president.

Margaret Maron reveals more of Judge Deborah Knott's complicated family history in DESIGNATED DAUGHTERS (Grand Central,2015, $8.00). One of the matriarchs, Aunt Rachel, is dying, and Deborah is summoned to her bedside, to give comfort to the woman who holds the family's secrets. Now that she is dying, Aunt Rachel is rambling, revealing far more than anyone wants to hear, especially the one who hastened the old woman's death with a pillow over her face. A long-lost treasure trove, a long-ago affair, babies born too soon or too late, all have a part in the unraveling of this tangles tale of love and murder. In the end, a most unlikely killer with an even less likely motive is revealed, and Justice is properly served. Maron at her best. From Appalachia we go to Maine, in THREADS OF EVIDENCE, by Lea Wait (Kensington, 2015, $7.99). Harbor Haven is the home of Angie Curis and her group of needlepointers, all of whom are agog with the news that the old mansion, Auroroa, has been bought by a real-life movie star, Skye West. Angie is asked to appraise the old furniture in the house for possible renovation, and is especially intrigued by a set of needlepoint tapestries that may hold a clue to the murder of a young girl some forty-five years before. Then someone tries to poison Skye, and Angie finds herself tracking two murderers... one in the past, and one in the present. Recipes for Maine treats are included.

Roberta Rogow is a retired librarian who enjoys books with characters that grab you, often set in exotic places or in other times. She reads a lot of historical mysteries, but also enjoys Alternate History, and has been known to indulge in an orgy of“cozy crafty” mysteries, set in small-town America or villages in Great Britain. Her latest release, MAYHEM IN MANATAS is the follow-up to MURDERS IN MANATAS.

Book Excerpt:

MOVE YOUR BLOOMING CORPSE by D.E. Ireland

My Fair Lady characters Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins come to life again as a hilarious investigative team in this traditional mystery for fans of British mysteries. At the posh Royal Ascot, their idyllic outing turns deadly when someone is trampled during a race and a woman is found murdered. A beautiful blond woman sauntered through the crowd in their direction. Her apple green dress sparkled in the sunlight, drawing numerous stares.

“How dare she show her face here!” Lady Tansy said. “I told you I will not allow her anywhere near me!”

“Keep your voice down.” He grabbed her arm. “She’ll hear you.”

“I hope she does hear me. That trollop, that wanton baggage you throw money at. If you must make a fool of yourself, I’d rather you choose a woman less garish and slow-witted.”

“Enough,” he said between clenched teeth.

Lady Tansy shook free from his grip. “As though half of London doesn’t know about the pair of you. Now she further humiliates me by wearing the colors of your racing silks!”

The young woman drew near. Eliza now saw that her dress glittered with tiny green sequins, while her lacy bodice was dyed pale lilac. To complete the look, she sported a purple silk turban – something normally reserved for evening – but it looked sweet atop her honey blond curls.

“She has a right to wear them,” Lord Saxton muttered. “They’re her racing colors, too.”

“Don’t treat me like a fool!” His wife shouted so loud, everyone within ten feet turned in her direction. “I am well aware of how she seduced you into becoming a syndicate member. As she has seduced you in so much else. But I will not have it rubbed in my face!” “I can’t stop her from wearing the colors. She paid for the privilege. And please remember that Turnbull was the fellow who brought her into the syndicate, not me.”

This enraged Lady Tansy even more. “You are both unspeakable cads.” Saxton managed a drunken smile. “All is fair in love, war and horseracing.”

Lady Tansy slapped him so hard across the face, his hat flew off. While everyone gasped, she stormed into the crowd.

As Eliza stood speechless, Higgins appeared beside her. “What the devil is going on?”

Lord Saxton picked up his top hat and waved it at the onlookers. “Nothing to worry about. My wife had too much champagne.” Stony silence greeted his words.

“Why is Diana Price wearing the horse’s racing colors?’ Higgins asked in a low voice.

Eliza realized he was right. The woman in the turban was Diana Price, a popular musical hall singer and former Gaiety Girl. “She owns a share in the Donegal Dancer.”

“I can’t keep track of who owns that horse. I’m afraid I’ll wake up one morning to discover I’ve become an owner, too.”

“I’m amazed you even know who Diana Price is,” Eliza said. “I thought you only went to Oscar Wilde plays.”

“Proves how little you know me. I never miss a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Miss Price sang Casilda in a production of The Gondoliers a year ago. Decent soprano voice, albeit a little ragged in the higher registers.”

Eliza frowned. “Even a drunk seaman at the Speckled Pig wouldn’t flaunt his fancy lady in front of his wife.”

New Releases

THE PRINCESS WORE PLAID by Karen Hawkins Historical Romance Released March 21 by Simon & Schuster Digital Sales

FICTION

WHAT YOU SEE by Hank Phillippi Ryan Suspense Published Feb 2016 by Forge

THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR by Helen Simonson Literary Fiction/Historical Released March 22 by Random House THE NEVER-OPEN DESERT DINER: A NOVEL by James Anderson Literary Fiction/Crime Released March 22 by Crown

DOUBLE TAKE by Abby Bardi Contemporary Literary Fiction Released March 21 by Impulse Australia

THE ASSOCIATION OF SMALL BOMBS: A Novel by Karan Mahajan Coming of Age Literary Fiction Released March 22 by Viking

PRIVATEER’S PRINCESS By Gail MacMillan Spicy Historical romance Released April 15 by The Wild Rose Press in print and ebook

PRIMTE TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan Suspense Published Oct 2015 by Forge

New Releases

FOOL ME ONCE by Harlan Coben Mystery/Thriller Released March 22 by Penguin Group THE ADVOCATE’S DAUGHTER by Anthony Franze Mystery/Thriller Released March 22 by Minotaur Books TREACHERY AT LANCASTER GATE: A Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Novel by Anne Perry Mystery/Thriller Released March 22 by Ballantine Books JANE STEELE by Lyndsay Faye Mystery/Thriller Released March 22 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons

THE SEARCHER by Christopher Morgan Jones Mystery/Thriller Released March 22 by Penguin Press DELICATE INDECENCIES by Sandy McCutcheon Mystery/Thriller Released March 21 by HarperCollins Publishers

THE WATERS OF ETERNAL YOUTH by Donna Leon Mystery/Thriller Released March 8 by Atlantic Monthly Press THE STEEL KISS by Jeffery Deaver Mystery/Thriller Released March 8 by Grand Central Publishing CLAWBACK by J.A.Jance Mystery/Thriller Released March 8 by Touchstone SPARROW by L.J. Shen Mystery/Thriller Released March 8 by author OFF THE GRID A Joe Pickett Novel by C.J. Box Mystery/Thriller Released March 8 by G.P. Putnam Sons

DEATH AND DARK MONEY Sabel Security #4 by Seeley James Mystery/Thriller March 8 by Machined Media

THE GANGSTER Isaac Bell Series #9 by Clive Cussler, Justin Scott Mystery/Thriller Released March 1 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons PORCELAIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery by Joe Cosentino Spicy M/M Romance Released March 21, 2016/Dreamspinner Press in print and ebook SATIN DOLL a Jana Lane mystery by Joe Cosentino Mystery romance Released April 29, 2016/The Wild Rose Press in e-book, paperback

BELOVED ENEMY By Hywela Lyn

DEMON KISSED By Karilyn Bentley

Released March 11, 2016 by The Wild Rose Press

Released Feb 17 by The Wild Rose Press in print and ebook

Urban Fantasy

Spicy Sci-Fi Romance

Marooned on an inhospitable planet, Cat Kincaid and Kerry Marchant need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him?

Gin Crawford, the world's latest demon huntress, has no time to mourn her dead lover as she's called in to determine why a demon attack occurred at the local medical school. And not just any demon, but the one demon that gives her demon-killing bracelet the shivers. A dead professor, a lab full of missing anthrax, and a demon who turns good people into minions complicate her life. Can Gin and her mentor Aidan Smythe solve the mystery of the missing anthrax and the identity of the demon before someone else dies?

ÂŠ 2016 The Book Breeze Page 16

TERROR IN TAFFETA By Marla Cooper Mystery Released March 22 by Minotaur Books

Being a wedding planner is hard work, from juggling drunken groomsmen and wardrobe malfunctions to having to replace a Styrofoam wedding cake, but Kelsey McKenna has it handled – that is until homicide detective gets added to her job description. A smart, funny cozy debut perfect for fans of Carolyn Haines. A WEDDING IN RED CREEK By Randi Alexander

BIDDING ON THE BILLIONAIRE By JM Stewart

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Released March 1, 2016 by Grand Central Publishing/Forever Yours in ebook (Print to follow)

Shy bookshop owner Hannah Miller finds herself having an erotic online fling with a man she’s never met. Her lover’s scintillating words leave her hooked on him and longing for his touch. Corporate Attorney Cade McKenzie is addicted to their hot exchanges. When business brings him to her doorstep, he finally meets her in person. Their agreement is an exclusive, no-strings fling, but when Cade’s sister volunteers him for her charity bachelor auction, Hannah is forced to make a tough decision. Is she willing to make a bid for the billionaire’s heart?

Erotic Romance Released Jan 29, 2016 by author in ebook

GAMBLER’S CHOICE By Linda Nightingale Romantic Suspense

Released Feb 17, 2016 by The Wild Rose Press With their wedding day fast Becca McQuaid came to Engapproaching, Rori Hughes land to find the perfect horse and Jackson Walker have but instead met a darkly mysmuch to do. Their red-hot courtship, swift and deep terious challenge in Austen Heath, Baron of emotional bond, and Christmas engagement Hampton. She’s determined to buy Austen’s stalhave proven the strength of their love for each lion Gambler’s Choice. He’s determined not to other. But with real life commitments just days sell, but the rivals are thrown together by an acaway, they find themselves battered by serious cident that leaves Austen with a broken leg and the threat he’ll never ride again. communication challenges. Austen Heath has the title, heritage and manor While one of them contemplates their unachieved house…but not the fortune. Becca is wealthy. Her goals, the other struggles to ignore the call of ad- charms are irresistible, but he believes she’s venture. The sudden uncertainty of a future spent shopping for a Ladyship to go with her money. He settling into a routine threatens to drive a wedge has another reason to hold the sexy blonde at between the couple. Can Rori and Jackson find arms’ length—the unexplained disappearance of what they’re looking for in Red Creek, or is the an old friend everyone thinks was his lover. When town nowhere near large enough to hold them her body is discovered on his property, he becomes a suspect in her murder. and their dreams? © 2015 The Book Breeze Page 17

Fantasy

New Releases

Paranormal

WHAT IS NOT YOURS IS NOT YOURS by Helen Oyeyemi Fantasy/ Magical Released March 8 by Riverhead Books

WORLD’S END by Will Elliott Fantasy/Paranormal Released March 22 by Tor Books

SLEIGHT by Tom Twitched Fantasy/Magical Released March 22 by author THE RETURN OF THE WITCH by Paula Brackston Historical Fantasy Released March 8 by Thomas Dunne Books REBEL OF THE SANDS by Alwyn Hamilton Swords & Sorcery Released March 8 by Viking Books

THE LYRE THIEF by Jannifer Fallon Historical Fantasy Released March 8 by Tor Books

MIDNIGHT MARKED Chicagoland Vampire Novel by Chloe Neill Paranormal Released March 1 by NAL

THE TOTAL PACKAGE by Stephanie Evanovich Sports Romance Released March 15 by William Morrow

JACKSON’S TRUST by Violet Duke Sports Romance Released March 8 by Random House LLC

HOME ON APPLE BLOSSOM ROAD Life in Icicle Falls by Shelia Roberts Romantic Comedy Released March 22 by MIRA

FIGHTING DIRTY by Lori Foster Romance Released Feb 23 by HQN

BLACK LISTED: A Benediction Novel by Shelly Bell Contemporary Romance Released March 22 by HarperCollins Pub.

FOREVER IN OCALA By Connie Y Harris Spicy Contemporary Romance Released Mystery romance Released March 16, 2016/The Wild Rose Press in print and ebook

SUMMER AT LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan Romantic Comedy Released March 22 by William Morrow

VISUAL EFFECTS By Joyce M. Holmes Mild Contemporary Romance Released April 13 by The Wild Rose Press in print and ebook

A GIRL’S GUIDE TO MOVING ON by Debbie Macomber Romance Released Feb 23 by Ballantine Books

BLUE ANGEL By Nadine Monaco Spicy Contemporary Romance Released January 15 by The Wild Rose Press in print and ebook

New Releases YOUNG ADULT I WOKE UP DEAD AT THE MALL by Judy Sheehan YA Mystery Released March 22 by Delacorte Press

FIRSTLIFE by Gena Showalter Teen Action Adventure Released Feb 23 by Harlequin Teen

teen New Adult

LADY MIDNIGHT by Cassandra Clare Teen Fantasy Released March 8 by Margaret K McElderry Books THE GREAT HUNT The Eurona Duology by Wendy Higgins Teen Fantasy Released March 8 by Harper Teen

RISKING IT ALL by Christi Barth New Adult Romance Released March 8 by Loveswept THE KEEPER OF THE MIST by Rachel Neumeier Teen Fantasy Released March 8 by Knopf Books

Shape shifters, a serial killer, Vampires and time travel

Book two of the Crimson Series returns to the world of the ancient Dhampir. Vampires, shape-shifters and a witch hunter bent on murder. Caitlin MacPhee after two hundred years has finally found her soul mate, Raven O'Brien. But it's complicated. He's human and Caitlin is Dhampir. He's a macho cop who thinks his woman needs protecting, she's Dhampir and thinks he needs protecting. Will she lose him forever when she tells him what she is? Then there's the killer stalking her and her friends. Yep, complicated. Caitlin and Raven must work together to stop the murderer before Caitlin becomes his next victim. ÂŠ 2016 The Book Breeze Page 19

THE BLOOD RED CITY By Justin Richards Alternate Thriller Released March 29 by Thomas Dunne Books

The alien Vril are waking, and the Never War is heating up. Colonel Brinkman and his team at Station Z desperately need answers – they have to discover exactly what they are facing and how the attack will come. But the information doesn’t come easily. With a major Vril offensive imminent, the Nazis step up their own project to exploit Vril weapon and technology. Described at Indiana Jones meets The X-Files, THE BLOOD RED CITY is a sequel to THE SUICIDE EXHIBITION.

SKINNY DIPPING WITH MURDER By Auralee Wallace An Otter Lake Mystery Released March 1 by Minotaur Books

Erica Bloom is in no rush to return to Otter Lake, the site of her mother’s spiritual retreat for women. But her new-age-y, well-meaning mother is losing her grip on the business and needs Erica’s help. So she heads back to her New Hampshire hometown, where nothing much has changed – except for maybe the body in the well ….

Mystery ... Love ...

Becca McQuaid came to England to find the perfect horse but instead met a darkly mysterious challenge in Austen Heath, Baron of Hampton. She’s determined to buy Austen’s stallion Gambler’s Choice. He’s determined not to sell, but the rivals are thrown together by an accident that leaves Austen with a broken leg and the threat he’ll never ride again.

Austen Heath has the title, heritage and manor house…but not the fortune. Becca is wealthy. Her charms are irresistible, but he believes she’s shopping for a Ladyship to go with her money. He has another reason to hold the sexy blonde at arms’ length—the unexplained disappearance of an old friend everyone thinks was his lover. When her body is discovered on his property, he becomes a suspect in her murder.

TIME OF FOG AND FIRE By Rhys Bowen A Molly Murphy Mystery Released March 1 by Minotaru Books

Molly’s husband is offered an assignment by the secret service, the details of which he keeps from Molly. When she receives a cryptic message from him she fears something must have gone wrong. What can she do for him that the police can’t? Especially when she doesn’t even know what the assignment is? Embarking on a cross-country journey with her young son, Molly tries to untangle the mystery.

ALMOST MIDNIGHT: The Novella Collection By C.C. Hunter YA Urban Fantasy Released Feb 2 by St. Martin’s Griffin

From the Shadow Falls series ALMOST MIDNIGHT contains Turned at Dark, Saved at Sunrise, Unbreakable, Spellbinder and a brand new story Fierce.

WOUNDED AT HOME Wounded Seal Trilogy Book 2 by Mitzi Pool Bridges Spicy Romantic Suspense Released April 20 by The Wild Rose Press

Financial analyst Sky Chapman must free her sister of a murder charge. Ex-SEAL Dirk Browning uses his skills as a private investigator and a military dog trainer to search for a way to keep Sky safe while they look for the killer and the missing millions the killer thinks she has. Neither Sky nor Dirk want the attraction that springs between them. She, because she refuses to fall into the philandering-husband trap both her mother and sister dove into. He, because his mother abandoned him to the Brownings at the age of ten and he never saw her again. The killer has given Sky a timeline. Find the money and turn it over, or she and her sister die. Will Sky survive long enough to explore the feelings she has for Dirk? Will Dirk be there for her? Or will the thief and killer make the questions moot?

READ, PONDER, REPEAT Planning a blog tour? We are happy to host. Contact us through the For Authors page.

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works with an international group of clients, providing writing and editing services. Specialties: • Editing manuscripts (line, copy, substantive) • Ghostwriting • Developmental coaching for fiction and non-fiction • Business writing and editing, blogging, and web articles • Press releases and marketing tools For more information on specific services, see Written Word pages at www.lyricalpens.com. www.lyricalpens.com www.twitter.com/mahalachurch www.facebook.com/mahalachurch

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Eclectic Express Reviews

Eclectic

Mystery

Urban Fantasy

LGBT

Paranormal

HEART OF A HUNTER Hell on Heels Series By Tamela Miles Urban Fantasy / 34 pages Released April 6, 2016 by The Wild Rose Press

Seventeen-year-old Elle Connor is attacked one night by the demon Pyro. Rescued by the guardian angel Tagas she discovers she is descended from a long line of demon hunters.

Training with Tagas isn’t the only thing in Elle’s life. She has her best friend K.D. and her love interest Brandon. When betrayal costs Elle someone she loves, her mission in life becomes clear and a hunter’s heart is forged by the loss.

HEART OF A HUNTER is face paced but short, little more than an introduction to Elle’s world. It’s a good start for a series and I look forward to more. There is a great deal more I’d like to know about Elle and her world. RISE OF THE FALLEN All the King’s Men Book 1 By Donya Lynne Urban Fantasy M/F, M/M Erotica Released Mar 2012 by Phoenix Press 189 Pages

life.

Micah is heartbroken. The man he was bonded to left him and the pain is consuming him. When he seeks out an enemy to kill him painfully Samantha Garret interrupts Micah’s death and saves his

I definitely recommend the series.

Young Adult

KARMA Drag.Me.To.Hell series By Nadine Nightingale Urban Fantasy Released May 4 by The Wild Rose Press 5 Stars

Amanda Bishop was about to start a new life as a NYU student when her past forced her into another direction – at gunpoint.

Alex Remington is a hunter and Amanda’s former lover until he found out she was a witch. He didn’t take the news well, but when his brother disappeared it was Amanda he turned to for help. KARMA is a perfectly paced paranormal mystery. Written in first person, we follow Amanda as she and Alex follow leads, pedophiles and the occasional dead body, to find Alex’s brother.

Nightingale seasons this complex plot with masterfully written flashbacks that bring just the right amount of information to the reader. This is no small feat. There is real skill in knowing just how much info to deliver this way without hijacking the plot and sending the reader off into the wilderness.

The story ends with a touch of foreboding, leaving us a hint of what may come in the next installment in this must read series.

This is a debut novel for Ms. Nightingale who professes to a serious Marvel superhero addition and considers the world her home. Nadine Nightingale is definitely an author to follow.

Working in a strip club, Samantha is in hiding from an abusive husband and is living a life off the grid; isolated from family and friends. Former military, Samantha is a tough lady.

This is the first book in a series about supernaturals who police supernaturals. The cast of characters are interesting and well defined. The story moves quickly and there is plenty of sexual content to keep you smiling.

Sci-Fi

A VAMPIRE TO BE RECKONED WITH By RE Mullins Paranormal/Vampire/Romance Released March 23 by The Wild Rose Press

WHEN I’M GONE: A NOVEL by Emily Bleeker Fiction/Mystery Releasede March 15 by Lake Union Publishing Luke Richardson has returned home after burying Natalie, his beloved wife of sixteen years, ready to face the hard job of raising their three children alone. But there’s something he’s not prepared for—a blue envelope with his name scrawled across the front in Natalie’s handwriting, waiting for him on the floor of their suburban Michigan home. The letter inside, written on the first day of Natalie’s cancer treatment a year ago, turns out to be the first of many. Luke is convinced they’re genuine, but who is delivering them? As his obsession with the letters grows, Luke uncovers long-buried secrets that make him question everything he knew about his wife and their family. But the revelations also point the way toward a future where love goes on—in written words, in memories, and in the promises it’s never too late to keep.

Vampire

Metta

Blaut-

sauger is known as the family airhead and she works hard to keep up the façade. It’s the perfect cover as she goes from dispensing her own brand of justice as a vigilante to an agent for Orcus, the Nosferatu shadow agency. Captured, tortured, and left for dead, she is forced to leave both the agency and Lucas O’Cuinn, the mentor she’s grown to love.

For the last century she’s struggled with regret and boredom. Then her life is given new meaning when four mortal ministers ask her help in stopping a human trafficking ring. If Orcus discovers her unsanctioned involvement, they will brand her as a rogue. The penalty is death. It’s only a matter of time before Lucas arrives—stake in hand. Lucas O’Cuinn has waited ninety-eight years for Metta’s return and he’s run out of patience. It’s time she remembers she belongs to him.

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Book Breeze. Contents of this emag are repeated on our blog throughout the month.

Watch the book video of Gambler’s Choice by Linda Nightingale.

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