Lisa Bilbrey's Blog

THE MOTHER-IN-LAWby Judy MooreGenre: Thriller Suspense


After a whirlwind romance, a young woman from California makes a rash decision and marries a handsome Floridian after knowing him for only one month.

She gives up everything she knows to move cross country to live with her new husband, a widower, and his five-year-old son.

Everything seems idyllic until they arrive at her husband's oceanfront home, and she meets her mother-in-law. There's something strange about the woman and the mother/son relationship.

It's not long before her suspicions begin to overwhelm her as she becomes ensnared in the secrets and lies of her new family.


Victoria stepped out onto the patio, ambled around the pool, and stood at the gate, gazing out at the moonlit beach and listening to the waves crash against the shore. She inhaled the moist sea air and basked in the soft touch of the salty air against her skin.

The cool night air felt refreshing until she realized goose bumps had begun to appear on her arms and then across her entire body. Something was off, and it was giving her chills. She had a feeling that she wasn’t alone. A sixth sense told her that someone was watching her.

Her body tensed, and she squinted out into the darkness. Scanning the patio, she slowly turned around toward the house. Then she saw her, saw her silhouette, standing in the window staring down at her. Her mother-in-law didn’t move away from the window, didn’t wave, but just stood and stared down at Victoria. Victoria held her gaze for what seemed like at least a minute. Then, finally, the drape slid across the window, and her mother-in-law was gone.


Amazon ✯ Amazon (paperback) ✯ Goodreads


Judy Moore writes primarily mysteries and thrillers, as well as lighter family fiction. A longtime news writer, editor, and magazine feature writer, her fiction and nonfiction work has been published in numerous national publications. Her novels are published by BTGN publishers. A lifelong Florida resident, she is a former tennis pro and sports writer, so her stories sometimes have a sports backdrop. Her novel "Somebody Killed the Cart Girl" is a golf mystery, and her "Murder in Vail" is set on the ski slopes of Colorado. Her Christmas anthology "Christmas Interrupted," contains three popular novellas: "Airport Christmas," "The Holiday House Sitter," and "The Hitchhiker on Christmas Eve." An earlier novella, "Birds of Prey," and her new novelette "Football Blues," are also available on Amazon.

Facebook ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon

SWEET HEATWhere Romance and Suspense MeetGenre: Romantic Suspense6 NYT and USA Today Bestselling authors come together to bring you romances guaranteed to make your blood run hot! Only 99c Passion, suspense, mystery. Something to suit every reader's taste. Grab a blanket and curl up with us for an unforgettable escape.
Get yours today before it goes away. LIMITED TIME ONLY.
Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Goodreads


Roll the Dice by Mimi Barbour 
How can she love the guy who shoots her rather than the criminal?
This powerful romantic suspense about two detectives with differing agendas, yet after the same rapist, will grab your attention and keep you riveted. Their continuing conflicts will keep you entranced and their humor will make you laugh. Kai, the bald-headed, blue-eyed, purse-carrying cowboy tries to wrestle control from his new partner, gorgeous yet grumpy Aurora. Right till the shocking end she fights him… and then things really deteriorate.
Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson
A Readers’ Favorite Military Fiction Award Winner, as well as an IAN Book of the Year Finalist and New Apple Romance Selection for Excellence in Publishing.
After years of fighting their feelings, Luke Bryant and Kelly Callahan share an enchanting night of passion at her sister’s magical wedding. So when Luke returns home from Iraq as a disheartened wounded warrior, Kelly refuses to give up on him. It's not about his looks or his tragic past—it's all about the connection they've shared since they were kids. Fate has always meant for them to be together—she’s sure of it. But will that past night of enchantment be strong enough magic for a military hero to finally surrender his heart to the woman he loves?
Slow Dancing by Suzanne Jenkins
After a wrong turn in Mobile, Margaret Fisher and her toddler, Ellen are lost. Then, their car breaks down in a small town in front of the garage owned by eligible bachelor, Frank McPherson. 
Twelve years later, the peaceful life fifteen-year old Ellen has with her stepfather is threatened when after midnight, a stranger appears at the edge of the woods. 
Jealousy, intrigue, and murder strive to tear them apart in this tale of unrequited love.
Luke, the Unexpected by Dani Haviland
Brought together by their love of vintage motorcycles, Luke and Holly have more than just an out of tune Indian Chief to deal with. The spurned Tanya wants revenge, and will stop at nothing to hurt Luke and all those he cares about.
Missing: The Lady Said No by Jacquie Biggar
The Race is on to find a Killer in the heart of Kentucky horse country
Detective Augustus Grant is faced with his most baffling case to date. Well-respected race horse breeder, John Jorgenson, is murdered in his den days before the Kentucky Derby and the list of suspects is growing.
Complicating matters, Gus' ex-girlfriend is the last person to have seen the victim alive.
Rebecca Hayes owes the Jorgenson family her loyalty. They gave her a new life after a disastrous affair leaves her alone and pregnant.
With all the evidence pointing in Becky's direction, will Gus do his duty?
Or follow his heart?
Turning Up the Heat by Susan Jean Ricci
Malibu O’Hare and Mark Bouchard are headed towards matrimony, until an old adversary sabotages their plans with a devious scheme. 
Targeted next are Mark’s Uncle Clayton and Malibu’s best friend Priscilla. An unfortunate accident forces Clayton and Priscilla to postpone their upcoming wedding, and a criminal investigation is underway.
Contributing to the chaos is the arrival of Malibu’s estranged mother Ronnie O’Hare and her singing partner Javier, a man who’s no stranger to Mark and his beloved mama. 
Will the sinister plots continue to succeed, or will love, commitment, and justice prevail?


Mimi Barbour is an incredibly busy New York Times, USA Today and award-winning, best-selling author who has five series to her credit. The Vicarage Bench Series – Spirit/Time -Travel tales that have a surprising twist / The Angels with Attitude Series – Angels Love Romance / The Elvis Series – Make an Elvis song a book / Vegas Series – 6 books full of romantic suspense, humor and gritty conflicts / and… the fast-paced, edgy, humorous, romantic suspense, Undercover FBI Series. She also has numerous box collections and single titles to add to her credits.
Amazon ✯ FaceBook ✯ Twitter ✯ Blog ✯ Website
Writing steamy yet sweet compassionate stories of fate that are wonderfully romantic, Tamara Ferguson is the multi-award winning, #1 international bestselling author of 8 #1 books and novellas in the Tales of the Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series, the Kissed By Fate Series, and the Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Series.
Her wounded warrior romances, Two Hearts Unspoken. Two Hearts Surrendered, and Two Hearts Undone were all winners at the 2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards; with Two Hearts Unspoken earning the Silver Medal in Military Fiction. Two Hearts’ Christmas Wish, the fourth story in the series, just spent 6 consecutive weeks at #1 in the Mistletoe Kisses & Christmas Wishes romance set. Two Hearts Surrendered was just announced as a Romance Selection for the 2016 New Apple Book Awards.
Along with the 2015 Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award Winner That Unforgettable Kiss, Two Hearts Surrendered and Two Hearts Unspoken were also finalists for the 2016 IAN Book of The Year. Tales of the Dragonfly In Tandem was a romance finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards, while Tales of the Dragonfly In Flight was a romance suspense winner at the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards.
Since she remains a full-time caregiver for an autistic son (along with a bunch of adopted pets!), you can usually find Tammy working at home, where she spends a lot of time not completing her numerous home improvement projects, because she's writing or helping author friends promote their books on twitter.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Suzanne Jenkins writes page-turning contemporary romance, mystery, and women's fiction with passionately gripping characters that stay with readers long after they turn the last page. The Detroit Detective Stories, beginning with The Greeks of Beaubien Street are a reflection of American fantasy with historical reality. Pam of Babylon books consistently rank in the Top 100 Best Sellers in American Drama with over 500,000 downloads. A retired operating room nurse, Jenkins lives in Southern California.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
USA Today best-selling author Dani Haviland, a Mayflower and Mormon pioneer descendant, recently semi-retired from selling tractor parts, tools, and roses in Alaska, relocating to a more temperate climate in western Oregon to pursue her passions: writing, gardening, and photography.
Life has changed from jumping into a skidsteer loader to plow snow to pull-starting the walk behind weed whacker, but there are still enough hours in the day for the feisty old lady to propagate people for her novels and plants for her yard. Sharing is part of her personality, so creating books and photos to share all over the world makes her happy.
Her tenacious and perky attitude is reflected in many of her cyber children, whether they be a British lord stuck in 18th century North Carolina or a 6'7" time traveling 'fairy' who is out to champion anyone who is having a rough time dealing with difficult life situations.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Jacquie Biggar is a USA Today bestselling author of Romantic Suspense who loves to write about tough, alpha males who know what they want, that is until they're gob-smacked by heroines who are strong, contemporary women willing to show them what they really need is love. She is the author of the popular Wounded Hearts series and has just started a new series in paranormal suspense, Mended Souls.
She has been blessed with a long, happy marriage and enjoys writing romance novels that end with happily-ever-afters.
Jacquie lives in paradise along the west coast of Canada with her family and loves reading, writing, and flower gardening. She swears she can't function without coffee, preferably at the beach with her sweetheart.

For those who live to read...here are some awesome books provided by the incredible authors who wrote them. All in celebration of the new school year.

While a few of these books might be oldies, but goodies...others could be new and fresh off the presses.

Relax and find your new favorite author.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
ROMANCE

Romance in traditional literary terms is a narration of the extraordinary exploits of heroes, often in exotic or mysterious settings. The term romance has also been used for stories of mysterious adventures, not necessarily of heroes. These adventure romances usually are set in distant places.

Please enjoy these books that focus on romance and all the sub-genres. The list is available in alphabetically order by title.

Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon Giftcard.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

Nature's Bounty by J. Rose Allister
Romance

Her only crime is falling for the man who’s sworn to bring her in…

When bounty hunter Nate Antillean poses as a male exotic dancer to arrest a sexy fugitive, he has no intention of taking his disguise all the way—until he meets her.

Lydia Franklin's life sucks so bad that she's more than eager to take her birthday gift for a ride. But their encounter ends with her in handcuffs...and not the good kind.

The fireworks are just beginning when Nate discovers he, too, is a fugitive—a victim of the same setup that got Lydia falsely accused. They must defeat the bad guy to reclaim their lives, but Lydia can't bring herself to team up with the man who tricked her into bed. Not because she doesn't want him, but because she knows that the criminal he wants to protect her from is one she must face...alone.

Revenge by E.M. Denning
Romance

On the heels of a horrific break-up, Summer is looking forward to having a couple of months at home to lick her wounds. After a run-in with her ex leaves her reeling, she does something she’s never done before—has a one-night stand.

Hunter watched Mitch treat Summer like crap for months, so he was relieved when they broke up for good. Even better was when she invited him to her dorm room the night before they left campus for the summer.

The morning after comes with a surprise neither of them saw coming—Summer has a new stepbrother.

Hunter.

Sweet Southern Bad Boy by Michele Summers
Contemporary Romance

Katie McKnight loves her job. Not really. But Katie loves her dad and this job means everything to him. Which is why she's scouting for the perfect house to film a mini-series…and that house happens to be in Harmony, NC. Now if only Katie can convince the grouchy, disheveled but totally hunky owner his home is perfect for the next teen craze, she’ll be in business.​Bestselling author, Vance Kerner has lost his mind along with his loafers and the notes to his next novel, under dirty dishes in his kitchen. Since babysitting his brother’s three kids, Vance hasn’t found a moments peace. So when California Katie knocks on his door, Vance doesn’t stop to ask questions. He simply yanks her inside and puts her in charge.​Katie agrees to babysit, if Vance allows her film crew access to his property. Vance agrees to keep an open mind as long as he gets the peace he needs to write. ​But having Katie underfoot is anything but peaceful. And Vance is finding less and less time to write and more and more time to watch Katie weave a lovely spell on all the Kerners...especially him.Can these two opposites find a common ground and the love they both deserve?

Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers
Contemporary Romance

What happens when a sassy kindergarten teacher stands up to the hottest bachelor to hit the Raleigh area in forever?

NFL head coach Nick Frasier needs to coach his young team to a championship and needs to downplay his playboy image. What he doesn't need his a fairy girl with a smart mouth and a propensity for fighting dogging his every move. And he really doesn't need to be the juiciest piece of meat up on the auction block.

Marabelle Fairchild has her work cut out for her in order to earn a permanent teaching position. Her future success depends on convincing the hunkalicious Nick Frasier to participate in the bachelor auction. Easy-peasy, right? Wrong.

How do two head-strong, independent people learn to live and love without killing each other in the process?

Tempted by Mr. Wrong by Jacquie Biggar
Romance

How can something so wrong, feel so right?

Falling for her step-brother is a mistake T.J. doesn't want to repeat, but one look into those sapphire blue eyes and she's ready to give him whatever he wants.

Tammy-Jo Hawthorne's marriage was floundering, but she never expected her husband to make her the laughing stock of Magnolia.

And she definitely didn't expect to trip over him in their front yard after he'd been murdered.

Jason McIntyre was forced out of his home and the love of his life by the man who'd haunted his nightmares for ten long years.

Now Jason's back--and he wants revenge.

Toccata Obbligato~Serenading Kyra by Jennifer Theriot
Romance

Todd O'Malley has been called many things, from filthy mouthed jerk to legendary Rock God. With his outlandish cocky demeanor - tatted up and pierced, compared in looks to Adam Levine - his constant use of the F-bomb, and the seductive gyrations he performs for the ladies on stage, affirm he is a man every woman craves. But there is only one woman who is able to capture his heart, Kyra Edwards.

That chance meeting at a little coffee shop in Evanston began their journey of compromise, pain, dedication and love.

From the night he took her virginity to Todd's past sex-capades and consequences threatening their relationship, will Kyra be able to deal with it? With Todd and his band Avenue touring on the road, can he prove to Kyra that he is a changed man? Can he be faithful and avoid temptation?

Jennifer Theriot brings us yet another contemporary romance love story that will capture our hearts. This is truly a story of Beauty and the Beast, where we admire the beauty that is Kyra and adore the beast known as Todd.

You loved him in Out of the Box Awakening and Out of the Box Regifted. In the pages of Toccata Obbligato ~Serenading Kyra, you'll get inside his head - see what makes him tick and get to know the woman who captured his heart......

This rock star romance short story is a companion novella of the Out of the Box series.

It contains adult situations and language, and is intended for readers over the age of 18.

Working For It by Cass Alexander
Romance

Jen Dixon wants one thing out of life. To get the hell out of the Midwest. She has big plans for her future and nothing will get in her way. Not her crazy mother, not her ex, not even the sexy object of her desires, Scott Kalite.

Scott’s been waiting three years to make his move. In his mind, Jen’s already his and always has been. Now he just has to convince her that he’s right.


✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
a Rafflecopter giveaway

HER LIE, HIS TRUTHby Monika SummervilleGenre: Contemporary Erotic Thriller


Seven years ago, as a parishioner of The Sanctuary of the Prophet, Kara King was asked by the administrators to help set up a journalist who’d been writing slanderous articles about their organization. They told her that the man had drug problems and abused women. At the age of twenty, Kara agreed to assist.
Seven years later she sees Jim Hollis, again. He just got out of prison for a rape and beating he didn’t commit. All he wants is the truth and will pull out all the stops to get it. Even lie to Kara.
With his brother’s help, Jim kidnaps Kara and begins trying to convince her that The Sanctuary has lied to her. Their Prophet is dead and they used her as a puppet.
Kara comes around and tells Jim everything that happened seven years ago. She also knows the administrators kept a file about what went on and if she can get that it would clear Jim’s name and overturn his conviction. 
Will Jim be able to get Kara to tell the truth or will the lies mess up any chance for them at life?

“I know you lied.”
Kara heard a male voice behind her and turned. He stood only a foot away from her, but she’d know him anywhere. His face looked different now that he wore a beard, but she still recognized him.
Moving her chin up, she felt a frown on her lips. “I’m sorry, can I help you?”
The dark haired, blue-eyed man stared at her. “Come now, Kara. Let’s not play games.”
“Do I know you?”
“Only in the Biblical way. Your hair color is different, but I know it’s you because your green eyes haven’t changed. I spent seven years in prison because of you.”
She took a step back from the man. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.”
“You were a liar then and you’re still lying now. We can’t change what happened seven years ago, but I can get you to tell the truth now.”

BookStrand ✯ Goodreads


Monika Summerville is an avid reader, loves good tense movies, and works hard on her writing. She lives in Western Washington State with her four cats, Agamemnon, Tazmania, Jasper and Jericho.

She has written The Risky Dance series - A Risky Dance, A Lost Dance, and A Flame Dance and Midnight Weary for Siren BookStrand.

Website ✯ Facebook ✯ Twitter


a Rafflecopter giveaway

MAJESTICMidnight Crest series
by Kay MareeGenre: Paranormal Romance


A man trapped in darkness.
A woman unable to escape the heartbreak of her past.
And, the magical powers of a Majestic waterfall which brings these two together.




Amazon ✯ B&N ✯ iTunes ✯ Kobo ✯ Createspace ✯ GPlay ✯ Goodreads

I live in Newcastle, on the New South Wales coast of Australia with my husband and three beautiful children.
Between being a taxi for my children, and working full-time, I somehow find the time to write. It’s something I love with a passion and with the encouragement of my very supportive husband, I have accomplished one of my dreams – releasing my first novel.
I hope you fall in love with my characters as much as I have.
I love reading and getting lost in a good book when I manage to snatch five minutes to myself.

Facebook ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Website

UNACQUAINTEDby Leigh LennonGenre: Contemporary Romance


Rose
One night was all I could offer to a man I barely knew. I intended to return to my perfectly planned life, but now he is back, and with him the reminder of the irrefutable connection we shared.
It’s still there.
I crave him.
One night may unravel my perfect plans as I find myself at a crossroad between security and desire.
Brody
One night, that was all she could give me. Yet here I am back in her life as fate has intervened. When I first saw her in that form-fitting red silky dress,
I was captivated.
She owns my heart.
As I set out to make her mine, she has to choose between her past and future. I don’t think I will survive if her choice isn't me.

Rose:
“Really, Brody? I’m going to look hideous in this. I’m not this Skinny Minnie like Jane or Lila.” I’m tall, taking after my dad and not my mom. A size two would not look right on my five-foot-ten frame. Brody looks at me with an amused look on his face.
“Rose, you forget I have seen you naked, I think you can pull it off just fine.”
“You are telling me this was all they had?”
“It’s February, slim pickings.” Pleading the fifth, his smile is not fooling me.
“Oh, sure, whatever. Let me hop in the shower. I should have made you wear a speedo.”
“Sorry, they certainly didn’t have any of those, either.” Giving me the rest of what I have asked for, he continues with a cocky grin. “Listen, I will wait for you and we can go down together. When we are done we can get cleaned up and order a pizza and some beer, or sorry, OJ.”
When we near the pool, I take my jacket off and Brody stops in his tracks. I see he is technically walking forward, but is turned around watching me. When he gets closer to the pool, I don’t say a word and just stand there, waiting for him to fall in the pool, which he does. I can’t stop laughing at him when he’s standing in the pool, shaking the excess water out of his hair. He swims over to the side where I am standing, places his hands on the cement and looks at me. “Never doubt how good you look, you single-handedly are responsible for my fall in this water.”
“Are you all right?” I’m still laughing.
“Yes, the ego is just a tad bruised.” Pulling himself out of the water, he comes up behind me and puts his arms around my waist, touching my stomach. “I’m sorry, I’m just trying to find a way to touch your belly. Rose, I feel close to you and very comfortable with you.”
I see him watching every move I make when I walk down the steps to the pool. “Hey, Brody, this is the way you get in the pool,” I tease.
I see something on his face and kidding time is over. He jumps in, swimming next to me, pulling me in for a hug. “The second I found out you were carrying my baby, I realized how that bond could connect two people.”
“I know what you mean,” I say as he backs away from me, giving me the space he has promised.
After swimming for a little bit, we sit on the steps of the pool as Brody watches me with an intense longing. I do want him.
Brody:
When we stop a couple of hours up the road to fill up my tank, she asks me to get her a bag of Skittles. “Ah, you have a little sweet tooth about you,” I tease.
When we get back on the freeway, I notice she has poured all her Skittles out on her lap into a handkerchief I assume she had in her purse. “What in the world are you doing, Toots?” I ask.
Looking at me, she only smiles. “I have to eat my Skittles in color order,” she says as if this is common sense.
“And what is color order?” I ask, not knowing there is indeed an etiquette to eating Skittles.
“It’s rainbow order, silly. Red first, then orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.” She scoffs at me and I’m not sure how to even respond to her. My girl is a little quirky. Quirky has never bothered me before.
“Well, now that I know I have been doing it wrong all these years, I will be following suit, Toots,” I tease but she doesn’t say much, just smiles at me while she eats all the red Skittles, one at a time, before moving onto the next color.
***
After her Skittles are eaten, she falls asleep in my passenger seat. She is beautiful, with full breasts, luscious lips and dark skin. No denying the looks make her attractive but there is a connection I can’t deny, not that I want to.
As she stirs, I say, “Well, we made good time so let’s stop.”
Rose stretches, looking at the hotel I have pulled into. “Wow, Brody. I didn’t think it was possible but this hotel matches your car.” The truth is money is tight so I need something as inexpensive as possible. Plus, I feel I should pay for Rose’s room.
“Okay, now that hurts, Toots,” I say, trying to feign a look of hurt. She has given me notice on my car, but it has been a good car that I wanted to keep for another year, though I understand her worries concerning our child.
As we attempt to secure our rooms, we start fighting in the front office about the bill. “This was my idea, I am paying for this, Rose.”
“No, you are not,” Rose says, as it is apparent that the man behind the counter doesn’t enjoy the time our disagreement is taking.
He finally says, “I don’t care who pays, but I have Wheel of Fortune to get back to so you both stop squabbling about. I tell you what, this whole women’s lib business, she wants to pay, let her pay. That will teach them.”
I immediately am overprotective with the harsh words he uses toward Rose. When she gently touches my arm, she simply says, “Thanks so much for seeing my side, sir. Case settled, Brody.”
However, the guy behind the counter deserves something for his rude comments and I quickly grin, looking at Rose as I say, “But can you please not chain me up and beat me when we get back to the room as you hammer me into submission?”
The guy gives me a dirty look as he retreats into his back office to the cheers of the studio audience of Wheel of Fortune.
“That was cruel, Brody,” Rose says, playfully hitting me, although she laughs.
“No, it wasn’t, he was a dick.”





UNFILTERED
Justine
I never will get my happy ending. With my past threatening to ruin the possibility of love in my future, I keep every man at arm’s length. Nick appears out of thin air, becoming a part of my life instantly, leaving me breathless and wanting more. The pain that haunts me is still present, but Nick is worth the risk. When he promises me forever; can I trust him?
Nick
Justine makes me see that a forever is in reach with her. She keeps telling me she is hard to love; yet I find it quite easy. Once I break down her walls, she finally lets me in. But, I have a secret of my own which can expose her to the demons that destroyed me in the past. However, with Justine, I will do anything and everything to make her mine.

Goodreads

Leigh Lennon is mother, veteran and a wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led a deep passion as she wrote twelve books. Now ready to publish all of them, she lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. She can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.
Facebook ✯ Website ✯ Twitter



a Rafflecopter giveaway

HALLOWEEN IS MURDERMcKinley Mysteries, book 11
by Carolyn ArnoldGenre: Romantic Mystery Comedy


Beware of all that goes bump in the night…
Sean and Sara McKinley are excited about the haunted house they’ve set up as a Halloween charity fund-raiser, but things take a ghoulish turn when the reporter covering their story is found dead. With the media keeping mum about how she died, Sara’s curiosity is piqued, and she convinces Sean to take on the investigation through their PI firm.
But this case is not without its challenges. The police are actively investigating it, as well, and it’s not even clear that the woman was murdered. It will take a little cloak-and-dagger, dress-up, and finesse for the McKinleys to get to the bottom of it, but they aren’t the kind to give up. 
As they troll for leads and work through the skeletons in the reporter’s closet, they unearth a few suspects, but they’ll need to carve out the whole truth if they’re going to find her killer. If they do so fast enough, there might even be time for a little trick-or-treating.

Chapter 3

SHADOWS OF NIGHT


SARA WAS CALLING YOUR SOURCE from her home office one last time. That’s what she told herself anyhow. She’d lost count of how many times she’d called them, but she had always met with a busy signal. And there it was again…
She lowered the receiver to its cradle. One could be certain that the station had plenty of rollover lines, so it had to be other people calling in about Chloe’s death, too. Other crazy people like her wanting answers. At least, she was sure that Sean thought she was crazy, but she had a niggling sensation in her gut that they needed to look into Chloe’s death.
Maybe it was because she and Sean were surrounded by murder wherever they looked and wherever they went. Even when they were supposed to be relaxing on their honeymoon, a case had found them. And the inclination to view any death as suspicious was embedded in her psyche from years working as a homicide detective with the Albany PD. Sure, Chloe could have died from natural causes, an accident, or even suicide, but it was also just as likely that someone had caused her death intentionally. To quiet her mind, Sara had to find out which scenario applied to Chloe. And if her calls weren’t making it through, there was another route she could take.
She flicked on the monitor, pleased that she had the habit of leaving her computer on most of the time. She brought up an Internet search engine and typed in Chloe’s full name and Your Source. This brought up pages of results. The first entry was a post from the television station entitled, DEATH OF LOCAL REPORTER CASTS DARK CLOUD OVER ALBANY. Sara clicked to open the link.
Scanning down the page, she found she was no closer to knowing what had happened to Chloe. There was no cause of death listed, but rather, the piece read like an obituary with a recap of Chloe’s career accomplishments and brief mentions of her personal life—she had a sister and had died single. That was it. Somehow it seemed like a sad summation of a twenty-five-year-old woman’s life that had been cut so short. There was so much that Chloe had yet to experience, and Sara hoped that Chloe had at least known romantic love at some point in her life.
Sara returned to her search results and clicked on many of the other links, but they were more or less copycats of the statement Your Source had published.


Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ B&N ✯ iTunes ✯ Kobo ✯ GPlay ✯ Goodreads

Every Day Is Halloween
“A nice and fun, old-fashioned mystery. Halloween is Murder was a very well-written and fast read with great characters and a fun mystery with a resolution that I did not see coming.” –The Reading Café
Ask anyone who loves Halloween and they’ll probably tell you their favorite part about it is dressing up. When you put on a costume, you can be whomever—or whatever—you want. It’s liberating! On top of that, it’s likely that there are all kinds of goodies lying around the house.
When I was a girl, I loved playing Barbie. I loved dressing her up and assigning her whatever life story I wanted. And, man, did I enjoy it! Maybe for a little too long, in fact. I kept playing into my early teens! At the time, I felt like some sort of freak. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted this news to get out to the kids at school. They probably would have called me a baby or something like that. So I kept this part of my life a secret, and I justified my addiction by pinning the blame on my sister, who is six years younger than me—she needed someone to play with! 
Now that I’m older—much, much older—I look back and find this aspect of my past amusing. I realize that it’s absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, but it shows me that I’ve always loved telling stories and acting them out. No wonder I became an author!
In the grand scheme of things, Halloween is very similar. The holiday allows people of all ages to participate in this fantasy, if only for one night. But as an author, I get to experience Halloween every day of the year. I become someone else every time I sit at my desk and immerse myself into the worlds of my characters. I get to delve into their minds, to know their thoughts, their feelings, their personalities, their lives. And I get to share my imagination with my readers. Now that’s a real treat! 
Speaking of, I’m going to grab a small bowl of candy corn and gummy peaches and get to writing. Happy Halloween!
Carolyn Arnold


What to expect from the McKinley Mysteries:

Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way.
Amazon



CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.
Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.
She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.
Facebook ✯ Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon ✯ Newsletter

What inspired you to write Halloween is Murder?
Halloween is probably the most popular holiday next to Christmas! Who wouldn’t want to read a Halloween-themed murder mystery? And it’s kept light and fun. 
I understand this is part of the McKinley Mystery series, but can this book stand on its own? And can you share with us what the book is about?
Halloween is Murder can easily be read as a standalone.
In Halloween is Murder, Sean and Sara McKinley are set to celebrate Halloween in style, and they’re eager to invite the entire city to visit their haunted house fund-raiser. But their recorded segment for a local television station goes unaired and the reporter is later found dead. Sara’s determined to get answers, and she brings Sean and their entire PI firm along with her. There are more tricks than treats, however, as they try to carve out the truth.
Please tell us a little more about the McKinleys and their series.
Romance. Humor. Murder. 
Those three words best sum up what readers can expect from the McKinley Mysteries series. 
These stories are cozy in nature and appeal to readers who love a murder mystery without the gore or foul language. Each installment is novella length, with the exception of The Day Job is Murder, which is a short story. This makes the books “perfect for curling up for an afternoon” (Brooke Blogs) and “perfect to bring along on vacation” (Bound 4 Escape). The Layaway Dragon describes the series as, “perfect if you like clean-cut characters, a sweetheart romance, having the money to follow your dreams, and crime-solving abilities.”
To tell you a bit more, Sean and Sara McKinley are former homicide detectives with a talent for attracting death investigations wherever they go. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work for a living, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. From sleuths to eventual private investigators, they’ll do whatever it takes to solve a case. Whether that means going undercover, off the books, or around the world, you can be certain they’ll be romancing it up along the way.
This is the perfect book series for fans of Hart to Hart, Castle, Colombo, Monk, Rockford Files, Psych, and Magnum, P.I.
What can readers expect when they crack the cover?
They can expect to feel the chill in the air, to see the colored leaves on the ground, and to slip into the world of make-believe in true Halloween spirit while Sean and Sara search for a killer. There is also, of course, some humor and romance along the way. 
Name one specific just-for-fun liberty you took with the book? 
In Christmas is Murder, I named the chapters after holiday-related songs, and I carried a bit of this fun over to Halloween is Murder. Each chapter is titled with a play on Halloween-related words or phrases. Here are some examples (in no particular order): “Dreading the ‘Boo,’” “Stuck Between a Grave and a Tombstone,” “An Attempt to Sweeten the Cauldron,” and “Grim Reaper Claims a Victim.”
What’s your favorite part about Halloween?
Seeing how happy people are when they dress up and pretend to be someone else for the night. And let’s not forget the candy!
What makes Halloween is Murder the perfect Halloween read?
It’s fun and light, just like the holiday. Throw in a murder to solve, dressing up, some cloak-and-dagger, and a haunted house, and who can say no to that?

For those who live to read...here are some awesome books provided by the incredible authors who wrote them. All in celebration of the new school year. 
While a few of these books might be oldies, but goodies...others could be new and fresh off the presses.
Relax and find your new favorite author.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
Erotica
Erotica is a genre of literature that includes sexually explicit details as a primary feature. Though the distinction might be blurred in modern works, erotica traditionally contains more sexual details than romance novels.
Please enjoy these books that focus on erotica and all its sub-genres. The list is available in alphabetically order by title.
Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon Giftcard.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
A Daring Desire by Jeanne St. James
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Take two defense attorneys, add one troubled NFL QB who needs them, and what do you get? A threesome of hot, sexy conflict...
Gryff Ward made a serious mistake when he hired the hot-as-hell defense attorney Rayne Jordan as an associate in his high-profile legal firm, even though she’s one of the best. Now he’s struggling to keep it professional, especially when she insists on calling him “Boss.”
Rayne’s been attracted to the firm's top attorney ever since her interview. And she’s well aware that calling the conservative man “Boss” drives him crazy…in a very good way.
Add Trey Holloway, their newest client, a troubled NFL quarterback, into the mix. Tension arises when it’s clear that both Gryff and Trey want Rayne and Gryff is willing to fight for her. However, Trey doesn’t hide the fact that he wants Gryff too.
Now Gryff’s having a hard time fighting not only his attraction to Rayne but to another man. Even though he stubbornly refuses to admit his deepest, darkest desires.
Then Rayne takes control. She’s determined to have them both in not only her bed but her life, and she won’t give up until she does.

Autumn's Healing by HK Carlton
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.
Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.
When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.
However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he’s not sure he can win.
Desiring Lacey by Erica Lynn
Erotic Romance / Contemporary Romance
Lacey Wilson is a lot of things. She’s beautiful. Sweet. A little sassy. And about to be divorced. Now, on the verge of turning thirty, she’s on a mission to find herself, both emotionally and sexually. No attachments. No baggage. No problems. But when her best friend convinces her to attend a private party, where masked men and women go to have a little anonymous fun, she finds herself staring into the eyes of the most incredible man she’s ever seen, and caution gets thrown to the wind. After all, what’s just one night?
Cameron Jennings likes to keep things simple. He helps out at his father’s garage during the day, then goes home to a few beers and TV. No muss, no fuss. Until one night when he’s working as the doorman at a private party, and meets her… Once he slips the purple mask over Lacey’s eyes and gets a taste of what she has to offer, he’s done for. With Lacey on a mission to rebuild her life, and Cameron completely infatuated, will she be able to convince him they could never have a real future after the way they met? Or will he prove her wrong?
Down & Dirty: Zak (Dirty Angels MC) by Jeanne St. James
Contemporary Romance / Erotic Romance
Welcome to Shadow Valley where the Dirty Angels MC rule. Get ready to get Down & Dirty because this is Zak’s story…
After spending the last ten years in prison, Zak, former DAMC president, has a few priorities: to reconnect with his “brothers,” to get drunk, and to get laid. Not necessarily in that order. When he spots a stunning woman in the clubhouse and mistakes her for one of the club’s strippers, those priorities get a bit skewed.
Sophie has no idea what happened to her life. One minute she’s totally focused on building her bakery business, and the next? She’s delivering a cake to the Dirty Angels motorcycle club’s “homecoming” celebration for a member who just got out of prison. Little does she know baking that cake will change the rest of her life, not to mention, make her a target for a rival MC. Normally, Sophie wouldn’t be caught dead with a man like Zak, a tattooed, ex-con, badassed biker.
When a decades old territory war threatens to rip them apart, Zak will do anything to keep Sophie, his club, and the town safe. But being from two different worlds, the threat they’re under may not be worth the risk.
Note: This book can be read as a stand-alone and has an HEA ending.
Only Him (An Obsessed Novella) by Jeanne St. James
Contemporary Erotic Romance
This is not just a love story, it’s an obsession…
Sydney:
Never in my life did I think my high school obsession would move right next door. I’ve never wanted anyone but him. Reid Turner is my ultimate fantasy. And I still want him. Badly. When he watches me through my bedroom window taking matters into my own hands, things suddenly take a turn… 
And now that I have him, I’m not letting him go.
Reid:
I never knew she existed and now I can’t get enough of her. She consumes me. When this night ends, there may not be anything left of me, she may own me completely. She my master and I her slave. In one way or another I will atone for never noticing her all throughout high school. I will gladly grovel at her feet to make up for what a fool I was.
Besides, who can turn down that luscious body of hers? Curves in all the right places, a mouth that could make a grown man cry, super responsive during sex, and none of my twisted desires so far have made her bat an eye. And did I mention? She lives right next door. She may be the perfect woman for me.
Sex, Heat and Hunger: Part 1 by Whitley Cox
Erotic Romance
"He was her addiction; she was his everything...
Emma Everly is ready for her happily ever after. James Shaw doesn't know happiness. But Emma knows that there is more to the brilliant and sexy millionaire project developer. Yearning to experience the world of pleasure that James is offering her, with no strings and no future, Emma agrees to the parameters of his proposition. No love, just sex --and lots of it. After only one weekend, Emma feels her heart begin to bind to the man, and she knows she needs more, only James' walls are up and he remains guarded and distant. He's hiding something. As Emma falls hard and fast into his intoxicating world of sex and passion she fears that her own checkered past and James' secrets may be what's keeping their happily ever after just beyond their grasp."
SHADE, A Bad Boy Billionaire (Golden Heir #1) by Shayne Ford
Billionaire Erotic Romance
Tara is at a crossroad in her life and needs a man who knows how to appreciate her love. Shade inspires her to become the woman she is meant to be. In return, she gives him the love that he needs. Things seem to work out fine, but life throws obstacles in their way, not making it easy one bit.


Tempting Flame by Delwyn Jenkins
Sci-Fi Erotic Romance
Jasmine Teale will do anything for the sick kids she works for, including handcuffing herself to the security desk at Hope Towers – headquarters of the newly-arrived aliens. When a Jendari warrior decides to handle her demonstration personally, Jasmine realizes she’s in way over her head.
Tallis Ba’reah has no interest in the humans whose planet his people now share, and he’s done with the endless anti-alien protests. Until he confronts a soft, sexy, protest-of-one and he becomes far more interested than he should be.
Interspecies relationships are forbidden, and Tallis does his best to avoid temptation. But when Jasmine is put at risk because of her ties to him, he’s forced to admit his heart is in charge – not his head.
Tallis may not be able to claim her for his own, but he’ll do whatever it takes keep her safe.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALL FOR HIMby E.M. DenningPublisher: PGP Liquid Gold
Genre: Romance (older woman, younger man)


Ashley Hartman has always been child free by choice. It’s a decision her first husband knew about when they met and it’s the same decision that tore them apart years later. Now a thirty-six-year-old divorcee with an overly opinionated best friend and a career she no longer wants, Ashley is trying to move on with her life. 
Liam White swaggers his way up her driveway and into her life a year after her swift and brutal divorce. Though he’s twelve years younger than her, their friendship is instantaneous and it’s not long before she hires him to finish the renovations on her house. 
Their relationship quickly explodes into something neither of them expected. As Ashley starts to let herself believe she could have a second chance at happiness, everything goes sideways.

“You must be new here.”
Ashley slowed her pace and resigned herself to the fact that this guy wasn’t going to be so easy to shake. 
“Only new to the neighborhood. I used to live across town.”
“What part?”
“West Village.” 
“Ah, where all the upper-crust hang out.”
“Yeah, the upper-crust and their mooching friends who live in their guest houses for a year.” Ashley shut her eyes and shook her head. She hadn’t meant to say so much to this guy, but she’d been drinking all afternoon and the beer had loosened her tongue. 
“So, you’re not just slumming, then?” Liam winked at her, she assumed this meant he was joking. “Seriously though, that carpet had to be three times your weight. Are you sure you don’t need more help?”
“Is this a thing you do?”
“What?” 
“You know, walking down the street and running to the rescue of damsels in distress?”
Liam laughed. It was deep and sexy and slid inside her like velvet and satin. She felt her stomach wobble, but it wasn’t the beer. It was him; and maybe the beer, just a little. 
“You hardly seem like a damsel in distress.” His hungry gaze raked over her and she wondered what he saw other than her dirty jeans, messy hair, and her dust covered skin.



Releases November 1, 2017
Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Goodreads

E. M. Denning is a writer from British Columbia. She loves her family and her animals and anything cute and fuzzy. She was born a hopeless romantic and when she’s not writing romance, she’s probably reading it. She loves love.



Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website ✯ Google+ ✯ Tumblr ✯ Paper Gold Publishing

For those who live to read...here are some awesome books provided by the incredible authors who wrote them. All in celebration of the new school year.

While a few of these books might be oldies, but goodies...others could be new and fresh off the presses.

Relax and find your new favorite author.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

PARANORMAL

Paranormal in traditional literary terms is related to the claimed occurrence of an event or perception without scientific explanation, such as psychokinesis, extrasensory perception, or other purportedly supernatural phenomena.

Please enjoy these books that focus on paranormal and all the sub-genres. The list is available in alphabetically order by title.

Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon Giftcard.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

Bob at The Plaza by Ellen Hegarty (w/a R. Murphy)
Paranormal romance

Bob, our favorite martini-loving ghost, has vanished. Now Roz faces a miserable snow-bound winter alone. Well, almost alone. Thank goodness for David, the practical, kind grape grower who lives up the hill... (Book 2 in the 'Bob' books--see Book 1, Bob at the Lake)





Midnight Angel by Tracey A Wood
Paranormal romance

After almost losing her life in a vicious, bloody attack. Kat Shaw, a thirty-something divorcee, discovers that there are such things as monsters. And the predator who attacked her is not human. She starts to develop unusual skills that have murderous consequences. And she becomes an unwilling witness to multiple, brutal murders, seen through the eyes a killer. Thrown into a battle of Good vs. Evil, she falls in love with two men who are not what they seem. While her attacker stalks her and continues to murder the innocent, she has to find the inner strength to take on and fight the demons from hell—to protect her family and friends while also trying to save her own life.

My Soul To Give by Magali A. Fréchette
Paranormal Mystery Romance

When Celina Leviet escapes the brutal home invasion that kills her husband, she’s left with a bullet in her gut and vengeance in her heart. An alluring demon, Mekaisto, offers an irresistible deal—in exchange for her soul, he’ll let her live long enough to get her revenge, but she must hunt and kill the murderers herself.

After sealing the contract, Celina digs into her husband’s past for clues about his murder, and what she uncovers makes her question everything she thought she knew about him.

His company never existed.

His family history was a lie.

And he was involved with The Lumen, a shadowy religious order whose members know too much about demons. As the life she thought she knew crumbles around her, Mekaisto's charms become harder to resist. Forced to face a horrible truth, Celina struggles against her late husband’s betrayal and the dark seduction of the devil she knows.

Snow in July by Kim Headlee
Paranormal

Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre has been granted what every man wants: a rich English estate in exchange for his valiant service at the Battle of Hastings. To claim this reward, the Norman knight must wed the estate's Saxon heiress. Most men would leap at such an opportunity, but for Alain, who broke his vow to his dying mother by failing to protect his youngest brother in battle, it means facing more easily broken vows. But when rumors of rampant thievery, dangerous beasts, and sorcery plaguing a neighboring estate reach his ears, nothing will make him shirk duty to king and country when people's lives stand at risk. He assumes the guise of a squire to scout the land, its problems, and its lady.

Lady Kendra of Edgarburh has been granted what no woman wants: a forced marriage to an enemy who may be kith or kin to the man who murdered her beloved brother. Compounding her anguish is her failure to awaken the miraculous healing gift bequeathed by their late mother in time to save his life. Although with his dying breath, he made her promise to seek happiness above all, Kendra vows that she shall find neither comfort nor love in the arms of a Norman…unless it snows in July.

Alain is smitten by Lady Kendra from the first moment of their meeting; Kendra feels the forbidden allure of the handsome and courtly Norman ""squire."" But a growing evil overshadows everyone, invoking dark forces and ensnaring Kendra in a plot to overthrow the king Alain is oath-bound to serve. Kendra and Alain face a battle unlike any other as their honor, their love, their lives, and even their very souls lie in the balance.

Storm Watch: Book Three in the Unfinished Business Series by Carole Ann Moleti
Paranormal Romance

Mike and Liz thought they'd gotten control of the specters haunting the Barrett Inn. But things get very complicated when they're the ghosts from your past life. The Category Five Hurricane bearing down on Cape Cod appears to be headed directly for them--or has it been spawned from inside them? Knowing it’s their last chance to end the hauntings, Mike and Liz must decide whether to run or to defy evacuation orders. Will they survive the storm?

The Reaper's Kiss by Dale Ibitz
Paranormal Romance

Sex and poison aren’t enough to help William forget his status as a shunned reaper with a sordid past. Rejected, disgraced, and hopeless, he straps on his emotional armor so no one will ever hurt him again. His path to redemption for his sins is side-tracked by Natalie, an exquisite human trying to save her sister from the horrors of the Other World. But then Natalie’s reckless actions sets William on a collision course between his past and his present: a demonic tyrant who wants William back in her bed; the sadistic daughter of an angel who wants revenge on his murdering mother-goddess; and the mother-goddess who demands obedience and love from William, her favorite child. After learning the dark secret of Natalie’s past, how much will he sacrifice to save her soul?

The Widow's Walk: Book Two in the Unfinished Business Series by Carole Ann Moleti
Paranormal Romance

Liz Levine is convinced her recently deceased husband is engineering the sequence of events that propels her into a new life. But it’s sea captain Edward Barrett, the husband that died over a century ago, who has returned to complete their unfinished business. Edward’s lingering presence complicates all her plans and jeopardizes a new relationship that reawakens her passion for life and love. What are Captain Barrett’s plans for his wife, and for the man who is the new object of her affections?

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
a Rafflecopter giveaway