Tag Archives: Romantic suspense

Dec6

Chances Are – Laurie Ryan- a Review

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I’ve been in the throes of writing the first draft of my latest book and haven’t taken time to read for a month. I started reading Chances Are at the end of October, but was only a couple of chapters in before I went on my forced diet of no reading. It was an intriguing story from the start —the hero was particularly compelling. I could actually picture him leaning against the doorway in all his macho glory. J I wasn’t sure about the heroine as she was a lawyer and I’m always leery of lawyer characters and/or law based stories. Being one myself sure can wreak havoc with my enjoyment of a book, movie, or television show. I’m hyper critical of mistakes when the law is involved. J

When I picked the story back up this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find the legal issues to be well done—except for a few moments of anxiety which were put at ease almost as soon as I started to twitch. J

The story was fast paced and enjoyable. The hero and heroine had great chemistry and the supporting characters (some of whom have been in other books of this series) were fully developed and delightful. I did guess one character’s secret pretty early on, but I really enjoyed her parts.

As to the villain, having known some people who had similar experiences with bad apples, the villain didn’t seem over the top to me. It could easily have gone to a situation where reality was stretched there, but didn’t. Sadly, there are too many people in the world who place blame for their situations on others. Ms. Ryan nailed that aspect of things.

Overall, this was a great read. Steamy in spots, exciting drama, and true friendships and love were shown by the main cast of characters. The next book is being written now and I’m sure it’ll be more of the same—hoping we’ll see these characters, Jackson and Aimie, again as friends with the new hero and heroine. Small town romances are the best as it’s always a possibility to run into someone you already know. Willow Bay seems like a great place to live.

Dec27

Inspiration-

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My new release Cowboy Boots on the Ground was inspired by a song. It’s by Olivia Newton John and I even named the main character Olivia. She owns Ollie’s Bar and is in hiding from her stepfather who wants to kill her. She bought a country bar in Texas as no one would think to look for her there.

Her fiance broke up with her before she was in danger and they had a special song that reminds her of him. In the opening scene, she’s talking about the song she hates that everyone always plays on the jukebox. Ending up in tears, she has to leave the main part of the bar to hide in her office.

Can you guess the song?  If not, here is a link.

Dec8

Cowboy Boots on the Ground- Excerpt

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Here’s an excerpt for my December 23, 2017 romantic suspense release:

  • Excerpt:
    He wanted to help, and he probably could—if she
    could trust him…
    Olivia picked her chair up and sat. Sipping her
    coffee, she watched him a few seconds. “Okay then.
    Talk,” she finally said.
    “I was military intelligence for a number of years, so
    if it’s something where you need help in that direction,
    I’m your man. If you need someone with weapons skills,
    I’m your guy there, too.”
    “Why would you think I need that type of help?”
    “Since you got so offended when I made the
    comment about your mother’s illness, my training tells
    me there’s something else going on here than a mere fear
    by a daughter of being held back by her mother’s issues.
    Why don’t you tell me what is going on and let me see if
    there’s any way for me to assist you.”
    “Answer one question first.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Why? Why are you so gung-ho to help me? We’ve
    never really hit it off and, all of a sudden, you’re being
    kind and want to act like the Boy Scout who helps the old
    lady across the street.”
    The phone started ringing again. They let it play out.
    Rocky picked up where they left off. “I want to help you
    because I’m a nice guy, no matter what you might think,
    and I see you need it. There’s a mob outside your door
    who would eat you alive if given half a chance. You
    could call Sharon to assist you but I’m quite sure my
  • skill-set is a bit better at handling those people out there
    than hers.”
    “You’re probably right, but can you blame me for
    doubting your motives?”
    He shook his head. This was getting ridiculous.
    “You’re right. I’m done. Have a nice life.” Rocky rose
    from his seat, shoved the chair under the table, and turned
    toward the back door.
    In the moment his hand touched the knob, she said,
    “Okay. Okay. Sorry. I do need help. Please come and sit.
    I’ll tell you everything.”
    front cover (2)
Dec4

New Release – Coming Dec 23, 2017- Cowboy Boots on the Ground

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I have a new romantic suspense novel coming Dec 23 from Black Opal Books.  Here’s the cover and blurb. Stick around for an excerpt later in the week.

front cover (2).jpg

  • BLURB:
    New York heiress Olivia Jacobs flees from her stepfather
    who’s trying to kill her in order to obtain her trust funds.
    Eventually landing in Texas where she buys a country bar
    she names Ollie’s, Olivia believes herself safe. Then one
    night in the bar, some thugs decide to rob the place.
    Ollivia pulls out her Stillson wrench and ends their plans.
    Unfortunately, the event goes viral and the media
    surrounds her home the next day. Her cover is blown and
    her face is all over the tabloids. Now she must run again.
    Rocky, a rancher living in the same town, offers to help
    her escape. Not quite trusting him, or the attraction she
    feel for him, she’s reluctant—that is, until her stepfather’s
    minions show up and she realizes she’s out of options.
    Now both she and Rocky are on the run from one of the
    most powerful men in New York, and things are about to
    get ugly…
Jun8

Cover Reveal

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I have a new book coming out July 8, 2016. It’s called Rex, the Ex and the Hex from CHBB Publishing and it is such a fun story, I can’t wait for it to be available. There’s voodoo, witch doctors, a tarot card reader and even a haruspex.  There’s a murder trial and even a laundromat. When did you last read a book with a scene in a muggy, steamy laundromat?

The story takes place in parts of south Alabama, Pensacola and even New Orleans. Here’s the awesome cover made by Rue Volley.Vector illustration of girl walking through a mysterious dark forest

Apr1

Release Day- Kat’s Song

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It’s release day for my book, Kat’s Song.  BUY LINK

Blurb:

Kat McKay’s heart is locked tight against further entanglements. Determined not to give it again, she’s abandoned all hope of love and holds herself apart from men. The last one did a number on her and she’s never going there again.

Paul Baker, world-renowned musician, keeps his deepest secret close to his heart. He’s as determined as Kat McKay not to let his heart get stomped on. The difference is, his isn’t personal. It’s public.

Out of necessity, the two of them join together. One with a motive to protect and the other reluctant to be protected. Their competing desires threaten to derail them both. Resolution can only be made at great risk.

KatsSongCoverArt (2)

Feb29

Cover Reveal- Kat’s Song

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Here it is!! I saw the draft a few weeks ago and wanted to share but wasn’t allowed to until now. I love it and it’s very evocative of the story. Thanks to Gwen Phifer for being such a great cover artist to work with! She captured my vision in a marvelous way. The book comes out in April, 2016.

KatsSongCoverArt (2).jpg