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A Russian Kingpin Wants Her Dead...

The Only One Who Can Stop It

Is The Man Sent To Murder Her

Dark Erotic Romance

Mafia

Lies

Impossible Choices

Kill or be Killed

 

Toni Flores loved her dream job working for a respected US senator until he raped her. She’s determined to bring him to justice, no matter the cost.

For years, Dimitri Valesky, head of a Russian crime family in America, has bought off those in government. Just like the senator responsible for Toni’s assault. When she won’t keep quiet about it and risks Dimitri’s business, he orders his stepson Michael to kill her.

Michael’s a lobbyist not a mafia enforcer. He refuses the insane demand, but Dimitri insists. The power he holds over Michael and his brothers is absolute… or so he believes.

Rather than murder Toni, Michael intends to romance her. Once he convinces her to keep quiet about the Senator, she won’t be a target any longer and Dimitri will back off on the hit. The plan falls apart and now they are dodging mafia enforcers, bullets, and Dimitri’s outrage.

Michael and Toni fight to stay alive and save those dearest to them as they also fall hopelessly in love.

This is book one in the Valesky Crime Family series and has an HEA.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some readers.

PRAISE FOR TARGET

FIVE STARS

"I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read." Sue B

"Fantastic read" - Vic

"Real Page Turner" - Kazza

"Not your average Mafia adventure/romance" - Caprica

"Awesome read" - Westie Dog

"Politics and Mafia" - Kindle Customer

"Suspenseful and sizzling" - Sheryl M

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The ‘tween time—Thanksgiving to New Year

I love this time of year, where every street shines and every TV commercial sparkles and shimmers. Christmas tree lights twinkle and the eyes of children widen and gleam with anticipation.

And then, on January 2, it seems to all go away at once. Whoosh! No more lights, no more sparkle. Snow turns brown and there’re long, dark days ahead before the next bright, fun time—for some, Memorial Day in May. Sigh.

So lucky for me, this book takes place in that bright time of year…

The Goodman series, Book Two: One Woman Only

Blurb:
As one of a set of triplets, Jonah Goodman has always stood out as the least academic—and the last one to take the world, or commitment, seriously. Thing is, that’s not really who he is. But who can he convince of that? Not his family, who see him as they always have. And maybe not his one love, the sweetheart he left behind in high school but with whom he is now sharing an erotic holiday. Will he get his second chance to prove to Kelly that he is a loving man who wants more than a sensual few days, but a real relationship with the woman he lost once and doesn’t want to lose again? With that chance and Kelly's love, Jonah knows that a "good man" can become even better.

Buy link:
Amazon KU: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZYSV5L9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48705086

Excerpt:
Jonah pulled in the driveway behind Daniel's old Volvo. Man, that thing had seen better days, but Daniel seemed to love it. At least with Daniel living close, Jonah could help keep the thing in tune and running.

 "Speak of the devil," Jonah said, as Daniel exited the house with his son, Timmy.

 "Jonah!" Timmy screamed his name and came running for him. Jonah scooped the boy into his arms, laughing.

 "What has you so excited, huh?"

 The boy’s dark eyes sparkled and his mouth held a wide smile. "My dad got the job you told him about and the school is really cool and we're going up next week to look for a new house for all of us and I might even get a dog."

 "A dog? Wow! No wonder you're so excited."

 "I know. And right now, we're going to get ice cream for dessert because gramma is making supper and she said she wanted some ice cream. What kind do you like, Jonah?"

 "Vanilla for me."

 Timmy scrunched his face into a scowl. “Vanilla?"

 "Well, with lots of chocolate sauce on it."

 The boy smiled again. "That's okay, then." Then he twisted to throw a disparaging look at Ginger. "Except Dad says your heap is in the way. What's a heap? I thought you drove a car."

 Jonah looked to Daniel who stood laughing softly at Tim's rant. He raised his brows and said meaningfully, "I don't drive a car, Tim. I drive a classic, original 1965 GTO. It's very special. Her name is Ginger. Wanna go for ice cream in Ginger?"

 Tim twisted toward Daniel so fast, Jonah almost dropped him. "Can we Dad? Can we take Ginger?"

 With a wry smile, Daniel took Tim from Jonah. "Not this time. We have your car seat in our car. But later we can go out if your Uncle Jonah says it's okay."

 If possible, Tim's eyes grew even larger. "You're my uncle? I've never had an uncle before."

 "Now you have two of them. Me and Mark. Remember Mark from the wedding?"

 "Is that the man who kept talking about math and stuff?" Tim asked Daniel.

 "That’s him." Daniel held out his hand to shake and Jonah took it firmly. "What brings you home this weekend?"

 "Wanted to see Mom and Dad now that all the hoopla is over. Zeb said to tell you hi and that he'll be up with me for Christmas to meet everybody."

 "It'll be good to see him."

 "So I guess congratulations are due for the new job? When do you start? I thought you had to finish the year up in New Hampshire."

 Timmy squirmed to get down, so Daniel set him on his feet. "Don't go near the street."

 "Okay, Dad," Tim shouted as he took off across the front yard, arms spread wide like an airplane.

 "It seems that while we were here over Thanksgiving, the headmaster filled my spot. They don't acknowledge that Eve and I created a scandal, and they aren't accusing us of creating a scandal—"

 "But they want any possible scandal gone far, far away."

 "You got it." Daniel shrugged. "Once I spoke with the president of the school down here, I was ready to make the move. We went down to Asheville to meet her and look over the campus the day after we got back, and they offered me the job later that afternoon. We're ready to start our new lives. I have enough money to tide us over, and it’s only a few weeks before I start in Asheville, in the new year."

 "Asheville is a good place to live. I'm glad things are working out for you."

 "Eve and I will be going after the weekend to find a temporary place to live while we look for a house, and to get Tim enrolled in school. Then we'll be there, getting used to the town and getting a feel for the school."

 "You'll do great, Daniel. They're lucky to have you."

 "Thanks." Daniel stole a glance over Jonah's left shoulder. "Looks like you might be lucky, too."

 Jonah turned to see what Daniel was talking about, just in time to see Kelly's RAV4 turn the corner. His heart rate skipped with that little bit of contact. Damn it. She didn’t even see him. Didn't wave or honk the horn. And still his heart knew her. And wanted her.

 Just like other parts of his anatomy.

 Reviews:

“This story truly had me hooked from the first page, and I'm very much enjoying my time with the Goodman brothers!"

 "I loved this beautifully written second chance romance.”

 "A great read. Five stars!”

 A little about me:
A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

 After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity. Sign up for my newsletter and have access to free reads.

 Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K

 

Out Now - Christmas to Remember by @meganslayer #christmas #lgbtqia #romance #holiday #christmasread

 

 

Christmas to Remember by Megan Slayer

from Evernight Publishing

Contemporary LGBTQIA Erotic Holiday Romance

Christmas is the time to come together. What if it’s also the time to come clean and find lasting love?

Perry Felder knows how to play music. He wows audiences with his renditions of standards and knows how to work a room. He’s not only the son of wealth, but he’s created his own way in the music business. He’s at the top of his game in his career, but there’s something wrong and this Christmas, he’s determined to make his life right. But that involves more than snowflakes, stockings and Santa.

He’ll have to come clean about his sexuality. He’ll also have to let his overbearing socialite of a mother know he’s breaking out on his own.

He’s kept his true self under wraps, except to his assistant and best friend, Michael Hartsgrove. Michael knows the truth and if it takes everything he’s got, he’ll make the holiday season one to remember. He’ll show Perry that being his own man in every way will set him free. It’ll make his Christmas the best.

Can these two men, who seem to have little in common, make love last beyond the holidays? Only time will tell.

Grab a copy here: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4BK1Y4F/

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/christmas-to-remember-by-megan-slayer/

In Defense of Hallmark Movies

You would probably think I’m not the biggest fan of hallmark movies. As a super spicy writer, you’d probably think I have no interest in the squeaky clean hallmark channel. And you’re not completely wrong.

I don’t spend a lot of time watching hallmark movies. Especially with everything I have going on in my life these days. If I have a little free time, I’d much rather read a spicy book. Or enjoy some good old-fashioned reality tv, like Real Housewives or Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. I do have issues with the paper thin characters they create, and lack of character growth. I can’t stand the romances that end with an engagement, when they’ve only known each other for one week and only had one kiss. I’m not saying they need to get down and dirty like my books, but a little more time together before committing their life together feels necessary to me.

But regardless of all these complaints about hallmark movies, I will happily defend them. I’ll battle to the end of the earth for people to give them their due. Because Hallmark movies are no different than the entire romance industry. They are media created by women, for women’s enjoyment, and should be taken seriously as that. 

It’s so easy to mock media for women. To make fun of hallmark movies for their sappiness, romance novels for their spice, reality tv for its constructed pretenses. But how is that any different than any other media. How is The Kardashian any more produced than Survivor or The Amazing Race. They both have producers that decided where they story should go, that encourage the participants to speak out or act a certain way. The only difference I see is that the Kardashian’s is almost entirely about women, where these other shows are not. How are hallmark movies any more tropey or over the top than wrestling, with their staged fights and over the top characters. Once again, it’s the viewers that are different. The participants that change.

And it is for that reason that I will defend hallmark movies every day, even though I don’t watch them much myself. Because media focused on women, and their desires deserves to be valued. To be seen as much a part of the landscape of our television as any other programming. 

So this season, if you want to watch some Hallmark to enjoy the magic of the season, go for it. Embrace what you enjoy. Don’t feel shame. Don’t degrade it. Don’t justify it. Just savor it. Because media developed for and enjoyed by women is rare, and that alone deserves to be celebrated. 

And if you’re looking for something a little spicier than a Hallmark movie, but still filled with all that Christmas cheer, take a look at my Frostbite Falls Christmas Ball series. It’s filled with all the same joy and a whole bunch of the hijinks—only every one of my ladies gets to take two men home for the holidays.

The forest of chances #amwriting #paranormalromance #love

The first snow of the season hit my little area of the world a few days ago. Everything looks so different, magical even. At first glance, the forest beyond all the cultivated lawns and car-lined streets looks like a winter wonderland, beckoning everyone to enter and explore. But is it safe? Is anything?

Things aren’t always what they seem. The seemingly picture-perfect cottage by an ice ensconced stream is not always, or even usually, inhabited by a sweet old lady baking apple cinnamon cake to share with weary travelers. Sometimes, the house is full of hungry, nightmarish things. An empty house off the beaten path might be waiting to steal an unsuspecting hiker who lost their way when the snow obscured the safety of the trail, or maybe the house is lonely and waiting for a found family to come inside, hang up their coats, and start a fire in the fireplace. There’s no way to know what the house wants without opening the door.

My stories are about walking through a forest of chances. One of the reasons I love writing paranormal romance is because I can create characters with abilities far beyond the ordinary, and yet, their journey is the same as it is for most— to find the courage to take a chance on life and in love.

 

What I’m currently working on:

These past couple of weeks, I’ve been writing the last few chapters of steamy, paranormal romance, Hawk’s Heart. This will be Jordan and Luke’s story, and the very last book in my Stranger Creatures series. Each book in the series features a different couple in their fight for a happily-ever-after. I’ve also been working on a couple of romantasy novellas featuring women in their forties navigating unexpected new paths in life, as well as writing poetry and learning the how to write flash fiction.

You can visit my amazon author page for buy links and to learn more about the books in my Stranger Creatures series and my Haven Forest Resort series (also available at other e-book sellers like Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, Google Books, and Kobo).

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Lynn-Lambert/e/B01MCYK0K7

If you’d like to follow me on social media for my latest book information and excerpts, poems, contest info, book recommendations, and other fun stuff, you can find me at:

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christina-lynn-lambert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinalynnlambert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15900423.Christina_Lynn_Lambert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnlambert

Wordpress: https://christinalynnlambertwordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cllambauthor.bsky.social

A Warm Christmas

 

Just in time for the holidays, I’d like to highlight a couple of my Stocking Stuffer romances, set in the Florida Keys. “Mistletoe and Palm Trees” was the first in a two-part series, and was followed by a sequel, “Snowflakes and Palm Trees,” which completed the story arc between the two characters.  

“Christmas in Key Largo, Florida—palm trees, bright blue waters, tropical temperatures, and two people feeling the sting of a bad break-up. When Tom McCoy fled there to forget his latest romantic debacle, the last person he expected to meet was beautiful Brooke Devlin, who is trying to heal from a mishap of her own. Their mutual attraction is strong, but is it real or just rebound? Will their holiday affair last beyond check-out time, or become the stuff Spring breaks are made of?”

The genesis for this story was an actual incident that happened to yours truly. I had planned a trip to Florida with my sig other for a working vacation that included some book signings. Shortly before we were to leave, she had an accident and was unable to travel. The reservations were non-refundable and publicity had gone out for my appearances, so it was decided that I would go solo. I thought “What if this guy traveled to the Keys alone because he’d broken up with someone, and he meets a woman who is there under similar circumstances?” It was a fun story to write because of the will-they-or-won’t-they aspect. Here’s a sample:

Brooke’s eyes took on a sultry look accompanied by a small smile. “So what’s a lonely girl supposed to do for a week in a tropical paradise by herself?”

“Find an equally lonely guy to bum around with,” Tom answered.

“Where would I find such a guy?”

“They’re all over the place.”

“Maybe I should run an ad.” She placed her hand over his on the table. “Unless you’d like to apply for the job.”

“I’d be happy to provide references.”

She gave him a playful look, one that made her green eyes sparkle. “What are your qualifications?”

“I’m here, I have no plans, and I find you very attractive.”

“What’s your availability?”

“At your service, twenty-four-seven.”

Her look turned sly. “Does that include nights?”

“Of course.”

She laughed. “You’re hired. How soon can you start?”

Tom squeezed her hand. “I just gave notice on my last job.”

 

Since this story had my usual happy-for-now ending, I decided that the natural thing to do was supply a sequel that picked up a year later. I called it “Snowflakes and Palm Trees.”

“When Tom McCoy fled to the Florida Keys a yar ago to get over a bad break-up, he never dreamed he’d meet beautiful Brooke Devlin, who was recovering from her own romantic mishap. They’ve returned to celebrate a magical year together—but when a former lover unexpectedly appears, there’s trouble on the horizon. Will Tom and Brooke get around this unwanted intrusion and have a happy holiday? What other surprises will they find under the Christmas tree?”

Here's an excerpt to get you into the Keys mood, and provide a sample of their next adventure:

 

Tom and Brooke walked hand in hand along the brick walkway by the channel after sunset. Multi-colored lights reflected off the calm waters and a warm evening breeze rustled the palms. They found their way to the Tiki bar outside their resort then took seats at a vacant table. After their Mojitos arrived, Tom raised his glass in a toast.

“To a beautiful vacation.”

Brooke touched her glass to his then took a sip. “Mmm, very good. Why can’t anyone at home make these as good as they do down here?”

“Probably the same reason they don’t serve seafood as good as what we get here--location, location, location. Atmosphere is everything.”

Brooke emitted a contented sigh. “This is nice. The sunset was beautiful, the weather’s perfect, and the flowers are gorgeous.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

She took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes. “How could I not be enjoying it since I’m here with you?”

He returned her dreamy gaze. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Brooke closed her eyes then slowly rotated her head and flexed her shoulders. “I’m still tight from the plane trip. Think I could talk you into giving me a back rub later?”

“Honey, I’ll rub anything you want.”

She gave him a playful look and grin. “Anything?”

“Anything.” He exhaled a slow deep breath. “I’m finally starting to unwind. Why is it that the week before I go away is busier than the other fifty-one?”

Brooke groaned. “Tell me about it. I swear my boss was getting even with me in advance for daring to take time off.”

Tom sipped his drink. “Then you should rub it in. Send her the most scenic postcard you can find and write the temperature on the back in big numbers.”

Brooke laughed. “I love it!”

 

If you’re in the mood for a fun holiday romance, reminiscent of what they show on Lifetime this time of year, check out “Mistletoe and Palm Trees” and the sequel, “Snowflakes and Palm Trees.” You can find them at the links below. Happy holiday reading!

Mistletoe and Palm Trees (Amazon)  

Snowflakes and Palm Trees (Amazon)

 

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary rom/coms. His author site is Tim Smith, AllAuthor 

Baking secrets during the Apocalypse!

 Good Morning to you! I trust you are doing well and enjoying the prelude to the holiday season. I wish you nothing but the very best for the holidays and the brand new year ahead!

I thought today I thought a little humour might be called for!

Here's a video I made you might enjoy! Happy December to you and yours!

Hugs, January Bain

Storyteller