Book Review: Mysteries of Cove Fires of Invention

I know today is Writer Goal Wednesday, but I am just plugging along with revisions and don't have anything great to report. I'm hoping this week will be my breakthrough week!  

But I do have something awesome to tell you about!

I have been so excited for this book to be on the shelves and it finally is! We are big J. Scott Savage fans at our house and loved Mysteries of Cove. The author is so incredibly talented at bringing characters and the setting to life.  It's been so fun to read it, but, of course, one of the best things we experienced with this book was being an extra in the book trailer (with my son). It was fantastic!

The premise of the book was so original.  It's a futuristic society that has been frozen into the technology of the 1800s and people are discouraged from being creative or inventing anything new.

Trenton Coleman is a thirteen-year-old boy who is good with mechanical things. The first thing we find out about him is how he likes to use his talents to help people. He makes a swing for a girl named Simoni because he overheard her say she didn't have anything to do.  But we also quickly find out how much anything like that is frowned upon and he is threatened with "retraining" for building something. Luckily they need his help in fixing something so he escapes that fate, but stumbles onto a mysterious tube that intrigues him, but could get him into even more trouble.

Trenton meets up with a daring girl named Kallista who is the daughter of an inventor who left behind clues to building an amazing machine. But the more clues they find, the more they realize that what they've been taught about their world and believed all their lives might not be all that it seems.

It's so creative and fun, we honestly had a hard time putting this book down. The world Mr. Savage has built is fresh and original and the story is completely riveting. We can't wait for Book 2!

You can download your Kindle copy here for $10.49

Here's the back copy:

Trenton Colman is a creative thirteen-year-old boy with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove, a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and “invention” is a curse word.

Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter of the notorious Leo Babbage, whose father died in an explosion—an event the leaders of Cove point to as an example of the danger of creativity.

Working together, Trenton and Kallista learn that Leo Babbage was developing a secret project before he perished. Following clues he left behind, they begin to assemble a strange machine that is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. They soon discover that what they are building may threaten every truth their city is founded on—and quite possibly their very lives.

Castle Review: What the XX Blankety X?

I'm still sort of processing what happened in last night's Castle. It feels like such a setback for Caskett as a couple.

Let's talk about this.

The episode starts out where we left off with last week's episode, with Kate staring out a dirty window while a death squad approaches her position.  She is chatting with Vikram, telling him to get some rest when she hears crunching glass outside the door. (They're obviously beginner assassins since that's the oldest trick in the book.) Kate runs away with Vikram to a hidey-hole, but is met by the bad guys down there, too. There's nowhere to go when all of the sudden the bad guy is down and some lady is saying we've got to get out of here. Kate forces her to identify herself before they get in the car with her and surprise! It's Castle's stepmom, Rita.

Rita asks Kate to tell her what happened from the beginning, so we get the events from last episode in Kate's perspective starting with Vikram's phone call giving the code of a life and death emergency. She goes to that old theater, where Vikram informs her that while Kate was at the AG office, she asked for any files that would connect Bracken to criminals and here we are two years later and something has popped. (That's some terrible file searches, y'all, if it took two YEARS to get.) Anyway, Vikram forwarded the redacted memo up the chain and now everyone on the team is dead. The only word visible was LOCKSAT.

Well, the bad guys find them at the theater and Kate gets shot, heads to the dry cleaners where she sews up her own bullet wound (Ick) and then they try to break back into the AG office files to get a copy of the memo, which they do. Beckett follows the assassins to the warehouse which is how she was able to be there when they brought in Castle and save his bacon again. Oh, and she goes to visit Bracken and he's all slimy until she mentions LOCKSAT. Then he freaks and tells her to kill herself because she's dead anyway.

On the flip side, Castle, Alexis, and Hailey are also retracing Beckett's steps, listen to her convo with Bracken and get a look at the memo, so they start looking into LOCKSAT too. An AG lady Alison Hyde comes down to help work the case and she tells us that Vikram isn't who he seems and is dangerous. Of course they cut to him at the safehouse alone with Beckett with a knife. Dun, dun, dun.(He just cuts some food, though, nothing nefarious happens. Yet.)

Rita has told them she's been tracking this thing for years and can't get close. The person they're tracking is Bracken's partner in the CIA who is anonymous, but well-connected, and helped Bracken move the drugs and commit all sorts of felonies and treason. She gets word that Bracken has been murdered in prison (and they showed him quite graphically dead, double ick) and Rita tells Kate she'll have to go on the run until she can find this guy, but Kate decides to make a stand.

There were some letters and numbers scratched out on the recovered memo and just like the old days, Kate and Rick figure out they are tail numbers for a plane and head to a hangar. (Creepily like where Montgomery made his "stand" and died there. I miss Montgomery still. *sigh*) Anyway, Kate gives Vikram a gun and they confront the guy unloading/loading the plane that has the right numbers on it. He acts like he doesn't know anything and Vikram ends up shooting him when he doesn't respond to Kate's threat.

Rick, however, thinks Vikram is bad and tells Kate not to trust him, but Vikram begs her to do otherwise. Hailey points out the unloader/loader guy did have a gun and Vikram saved them. Kate goes with her gut and says she trusts him.  Then Caskett get a sweet reunion before they head back to the precinct.  Castle tries to talk to her about what's going on and why she didn't tell him. She gives him a song and dance about protocol and protecting him, even going so far as to say he did the same thing last year when he was missing for eight weeks. Um, yeah, Castle didn't remember anything about that. Not even in the ballpark of the same thing and he has felt horrible about what happened for the entire last season. She kept him in the dark on purpose and lied to his face.  Castle says he's seen this before, but Kate acts like she doesn't know what he's talking about. She promises no more secrets and that seems to pacify him for now. But not me.

They figure out a plan to smoke out the death squad by doing a TV interview about the case. The assassins' take the bait and come to take out Caskett, but the boys save the day. Until Hailey is brought in at gunpoint by a new gunman. Castle is able to break out his trusty hidden gun on a spring and shoot the guy.  Everyone is taken down to the station and Alison Hyde takes the gunmen into custody. She's going to avenge the agents who were murdered.  All is well. But wait---

Vikram finally hacks into the phone of the assassins and they all called one number---Alison Hyde. The team tries to track her down and find her dead by her own hand. (Triple ick for showing that several times.)  Kate is looking at the dead woman and knows it's not over. Rita tracks her down and tells her to let it go, but Kate doesn't think she can. Her obsessiveness has reared it's ugly head and she can't force it back. Rita warns her she will have to choose it over her family. And it's then that I see the writing on the wall.

She goes home and Castle is cooking and happy. He notices her bag and asks where she's going. She says she loves him, but has to do this on her own. The look on Castle's face is heartbreaking. "Bracken said you wouldn't be happy just being my wife. Don't tell me he knew you better than I do." And that's exactly what I want to say. It's so dumb that Castle even has to remind her of what a great team they are in them against the world scenarios. They've been down this road. Several times! They've learned, or so I thought. This seems so heavy-handed and out of left field. Why not still have them together, but have her keeping the secrets as she promised not to? Anything but an unbelievable reason to keep them apart? The smoking food in the background was such a foreshadowing I thought. Hopefully this season isn't going to go up in smoke for me.

I just think Castle has chased and chased her and tried to prove to her how good they are together, FOR YEARS, but she just wouldn't see it for so long and now that she finally has, they're setting them back as if they hadn't progressed at all. How many times has he said, "I'm right here" "We can do it together" "Trust me" "We're better together than apart" and it makes me sad that the writers are having Kate turn her back on him AGAIN. I wanted more for them. How many times has he pulled the "Always" card in the last two episodes alone? But Kate is going down a rabbit hole to some conspiracy that's barely more than a mirage.  Was this whole new conspiracy born out of a worry that because they're married there isn't anywhere to go so they have to imagine a silly new obsession for Kate to drive them apart? Sigh. Disappointing to say the least. I was so happy to be done with Bracken and that convoluted conspiracy that at times made no sense, and now we're back to square one with a new "conspiracy."

But I just can't get over that Kate is shutting Rick out again for really flimsy reasons. *shakes fist* I'll reserve judgment, but I really hope this new road doesn't suck as badly as I think it might. Please don't kill my enjoyment of my favorite show with conversations and actions that we've seen before while Castle tries to keep them together! Dang it. Kate should have to work for it, too, and this twist doesn't seem believable with where they were as a couple.  *sad sigh*

All right, you've got to tell me.  What did you think?

Book Review: Westly: A Spider's Tale

Westly: A Spider's Tale by Bryan Beus is a cute children's tale (with some fun illustrations!) about the prince of the Monarch butterflies named Westly, who is totally excited about going through his transformation ceremony. But when he emerges from his cocoon, he's definitely not what he expected to be and the story is about his journey to find out where he truly belongs.

I love that the book started out right into the action. Westly and his friends are introduced just before their transformation ceremony. Everyone else is talking about what it will be like "after" but Westly is eating and preparing to have the best and strongest wings when he emerges from his cocoon. And then Westly saves them all from a "Dirt-Eater" or moth in a dramatic way that had us turning pages as fast as we could!  The opening chapters were riveting and gave a solid foundation for the book. The best part for me was how the author really delved deep into the setting and descriptions. They were amazing and made it so easy to visualize this world and the animals in it.

The adventure begins when Westly emerges as a spider and knows he has to leave the beautiful chandelier where the butterflies live. He doesn't belong anymore.  He makes all kinds of new friends on his journey of discovery, but has to learn the hard way who he can trust. He also learns that things he's believed his whole life about "Dirt-Eaters" aren't quite right. It's such a great book for kids in seeing that differences can be strengths and sometimes you have to stand out in order to make things right in your world.

I loved reading this book aloud to my children and know it will be a family favorite for a long time to come.

You can download your copy herefor $11.90

Here's the back copy:

When Westly emerges from his cocoon, not as a beautiful butterfly, but as a spider, he is rejected byt he butterfly kingdom and undertakes a journey to discover who he really is. But not even the dirt eaters can offer him answers. Not the dragonfly, the centipede, the moth, or even Zug Zug, the fly. None have ever seen an eight-legged creature who can spin webs. However, Westly's new friend the Raven has offered to help. If only the Raven could get inside the glass menagerie where Westly and the other bugs live. Yes, yes, the Raven is sure he could change everything. But sometimes things don't turn out the way we plan.

Hawaii Five-O's Season Premiere--Murder, Mayhem, And Pirates!

Well, the season premiere of Hawaii Five-O had a little bit of everything for me--tons of action, a little romance, and a fun case.

The show starts back in 1884 and some pirates are in Honolulu taking the king and his guests hostage until they get the key to the treasury. (The king has really incompetent guards I'll tell you that.) They steal a painting and all the candelabra, too, for good measure.

Cut to present day where we're watching a bloody TV with some old guy on it telling the pirate tale. And the person on the couch who was watching the video is dead, bullet to the head. The killer presses stop on the ancient VCR and takes the VHS-looking tape out and leaves. (Who knew VCRs were still around?)

Then we're back at Kono's wedding where the happy couple is introduced. They seriously looked so in love, it was awesome. But is our team basking in that glow? No, Chin is telling them what happened with Gabriel in the parking lot.  Everything is super serious until Catherine mentions it's really time to celebrate with Kono, so, you know, shut up and dance. (Is that song going through your head now? It's in mine again.) But when everyone started dancing it sort of looked like this:

Best part of the dance scenes for me, though? Steve and Catherine are super cute with the "You still got it" and the kiss on the dance floor---Be still, my heart. Her "it took you long enough" made me smile. I really, really want them to have that talk. But, instead, they partied hard and went home and passed out fully clothed in their wedding attire in Steve's bed. Steve gets a phone call and has to head to a case of course, but they promise to talk later.

This is what I wish Steve would do with his phone sometimes.

When the guys get to the murder scene they find a bunch of tapes all of some professor interviewing the old guy who claims to be the last remaining pirate who knows what happened to that treasure. (Um, dude, you'd have to be over 100 years old and he doesn't look it. Like, at all. And pirates didn't live all that long in their chosen profession, so . . . yeah, that one was hard to swallow.)  Anyway, the professor who did all those interviews vanished and his life's work of researching that treasure was sold a few weeks back to a fiction writer. And the fiction writer who bought it is the newly dead guy. The gang figures out the missing tape must have had clues about the missing pirate treasure.

So, while they're headed back to the office, Danny asks if Steve and Catherine have had the talk yet and Steve says they haven't. Danny is pressing him about it, saying he could understand if he was scared since she hurt him once and Steve is all, I'm not scared. I'm going to ask her to marry me.

Danny's happy, Steve's happy, and I'm happy. Oh yeah. Let's just bask in that for a minute, shall we?

*le sigh*

But Kono and Adam are only able to be happy for one night. Adam has made her a wedding breakfast and they're all cute and lovey dovey, talking about Mrs. Noshimuri and Mr. Kalakaua, but then the doorbell rings and Adam goes to answer it. (My question is, why are they at Adam's place for their honeymoon? Really? Not even enough money for one night at a hotel? And who answers their door on their honeymoon? But I digress.) Of course it's Gabriel and he tazes them both. When Kono comes to, Gabriel is beating Adam. He wants Adam to transfer all his assets that he was going to give to the Yakuza to Gabriel. Kono points out that they'll kill Adam if he gives him that money and Gabriel says he'll kill Adam if he doesn't. Uh oh.

A reported gas leak at the museum is a diversion for our criminal mastermind to steal a painting, but a security guard shows up and it turns into a hostage situation. Five-O head over, but when they go in, the painting and our criminal is gone. So's the hostage, but she was a fake hostage and was in on it. They got away with a priceless painting, though, and it happens to be the same as the one the pirates stole in the 1800s! The cases are intertwined!

Back at Casa Noshimuri, Kono's mouth is taped and Gabriel is beating Adam for the access codes to transfer the money. When Adam says he won't, Gabriel brings in reinforcements of a creepy guy in a mask. He comes in and starts pulling out Kono's teeth. So hard to watch! Adam agrees to give Gabriel the money if he'll leave Kono alone, but they have to go to the bank in person to do it.

At HQ, Jerry tells the team that the painting was probably a treasure map (he's "helping" out until Kono gets back. At least he didn't bug me as bad this episode as he has in the past.) and there's a tear in the painting so that's probably where they buried the stolen loot. So, the team goes out to see where Jerry thinks the treasure is hidden and while they're hiking around Danny decides he can't hold it in anymore and tells everyone that Steve is getting married.

Steve is all, dude, really? But everyone else is all

I love that they're all so happy for him.  But we still have to get through that dang talk that the phone calls keep interrupting so that is the one raincloud on this happy occasion. But still, let's go back to basking for a minute that he wants Catherine to be his wife.

*le sigh*

Okay, well, once they get in the cave, they find the missing professor who'd been interviewing the not-so-very-old-but-claiming-to-be-a-pirate-from-the-late-1800s guy and he's dead. Looks like he fell, though, so no foul play. The team figures out that our museum thieves rented a sailboat so the guys head over there. They don't find anyone, but the painting is on a table with the frame ripped off. Jerry sees notches on the frame and lines them up to make an X marks the spot. 

Poor Kono is alone with the dental torturer guy in the white mask. He's the brooding type, so he goes outside to stare at the ocean. (Does no one think it's odd he goes out where he could be spotted wearing that bizarre mask? I thought that was weird.) He's also apparently a beginner torturer because he leaves all his instruments within Kono's grasp. She grabs a scalpel, gets her wrists free and then drives the scalpel up into the guy's chin when he comes to see what she's doing. Ick. She gets into a car and hotfoots it over to the bank. She comes in really bloody and with a gun and everyone gets out of her way. She spots Gabriel and Adam, and the shootout begins. Gabriel gets away, but shoots Adam first. Kono runs over to him, cradling him in her lap while he bleeds out, yelling for someone to call for help. *sniff* Poor Adam.

The team ends up at some house with the coordinates from the frame. The family is tied up inside, but Steve waits for the perfect moment---when the bad guy is getting a drink from the fridge--and takes him down.  The rest of the team oddly waits upstairs while Steve goes down to take care of the guy's partner. She comes at him with a gun, a drill thing that looked dangerous, you name it. Steve finally has to shoot her and then it's safe for the rest of the team to come down and clean up. They open the chest that has just been dug up and it's a bunch of silverware and candlesticks. I guess that guy being interviewed wasn't really a pirate and lied about everything. Ya think? Oh well, case closed. 

Chin gets a call from Kono and the team heads over to the hospital to comfort a bloody and shell-shocked looking Kono who informs them that Gabriel has the money they were going to give the Yakuza. And well, the Yakuza will probably kill both her and Adam over it.  Adam is in surgery for his wounds and I know we're all thinking the same thing:

So, a good start to the season. Good cast balance, good storyline, and some great foundation for the characters and the season's themes.

Until next week . . .

Friday Freebie

Today's Friday Freebie is an inspirational romance Twice Loved by Wendy Lindstrom. It is a sweet version of her book Shades of Honor and it looked good!

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

She Planned To Marry Her Best Friend—Then His Brother Returned Home And Complicated Everything.

Marrying her lifelong friend and neighbor, Kyle Grayson, will allow Evelyn to care for her ailing father. But when Kyle’s older brother, Radford, returns home with his young daughter, it turns Evelyn’s life upside down. The wounded man and withdrawn little girl awaken Evelyn’s heart and she can no longer deny her need for love. Will she be forced to choose between her desperate need for security and the love she has always dreamed of?

Bonus Double Children's Book Review

I've been reading a lot today and I have two children's books to tell you about.

The first one is My Home Can Be A Holy Place by Kristin M. Oaks, illustrated by Dan Burr. I loved the themes in this book. As a parent, we all strive to make our homes a safe and welcoming place for our family members and this book presents all the ways that Lily helps to make her home a holy place.

For example, Lily talks about saying prayers, eating dinner with her family, and working together. There were little inspirational quotes from Church leaders that went along with each theme and I enjoyed listening to my children talk about what they do "like Lily" as we read the story.  The illustrations in this book were amazing and looked almost like photographs, they were so detailed. It really added to the story, I thought, and kept my children focused on Lily and her family.

In the back of the book were other questions to spark discussions in a family setting and we really enjoyed using that in our family home evening.  I highly recommend this book for families who want a well told story that leads to discussions on how to draw closer together.

You can buy your hardback copy herefor $18.99

Here's the back copy:

Our homes can become holy places that prepare children to grow up in the Lord (D&C 109:15). This children s picture book tells the story of Lily, a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place by the things she does each day. The engaging illustrations by LDS artist Dan Burr depict Lily s family in various settings that show how children can contribute to the spiritual environment in their home as they say their prayers, work together, read the scriptures, eat dinner as a family, make good decisions, observe the Sabbath day, participate in family home evening, share the gospel, and learn to love one another. Parents will find additional helps and resources to reinforce these concepts on the author s website. These resources are designed specifically to complement the themes presented in the book.

The second book is Girls Who Choose God by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding, illustrated by Kathleen Petersen.  This book highlights girls in the Book of Mormon and the choices they made.  I love how the artist portrayed ethnic women and Meso-american trees on each story that were symbolic of the Tree of Life.  It just added so much to what we were reading.

The way the authors told the story was really well-done as well. They presented what the story of the girl and at the end stated what her choices were. For example, Abish had a choice to make. She could keep her knowledge of God a secret or state her beliefs boldly and invite her people to come and see. The rest of the story is talking about what choice each girl made and what would you do if you were in her situation. It was riveting for my children and I to have the stories broken up like that and each question brought more thought and discussion as we read it together. 

I love that they highlighted so many great girls and women and how their strength and choices can help us in our lives today. I know we'll read this one again and again.

You can get your Kindle copy here for $14.45

Here is the back copy:

Shining light on strong women from the Book of Mormon, this groundbreaking book shares well-known stories alongside others that may be less familiar. Come to better know and love Sariah, the heroic daughters from the land Zeniff, Nephi's wife, the maidservant spy, and other women from the Book of Mormon who chose God with all their might. These faith-filled women defended their families, protected their husbands, and risked their lives for others—providing powerful role models for us all.

With stunning illustrations, ten compelling narratives, and thought-provoking family discussion questions, this volume will give you a new perspective on the Book of Mormon. Reading and reflecting on these brave women's stories, girls and boys will learn that they too can be strong and choose God.

In buying this book, you support educational opportunities for women. A portion of the authors' proceeds will be donated to nonprofit organizations in their local communities.

Word Count Wednesday

I had a really good week this week! I've been revising so my word count wasn't as high as past weeks, but I'm really loving how the story is shaping up.

I've concentrated on working through the emotional layer of the characters.  I've been digging deeper so that not only will my characters feel the impact, but my readers will as well. Which means I'm not going to say "She was frustrated," I'm going to say, "She dug her fingernails into her palm until it hurt." It's about not just telling the story, but experiencing it, if that makes sense.  So, that's what I've been working on in my revision.

A free writing guide that has helped me look for ways to dig deeper when I'm crafting emotion can be found here. Jordan McCollum offers several helpful writing guides and gives great examples on how to put more depth and layers into your writing. Worth your time!

How did you do on your writing goals this week?

Castle Season Premiere!

I am so excited my show is back! Last night's show was amazing, but did leave me with some mixed feelings.

We start out in a night club, where a woman takes a drink to a secluded part of the bar. A man follows her, and asks her why he's seen her everywhere he's been today. She goes over and starts to kiss him and then silently shoves a knife into his heart. Ew.

Cut to one of the cutest Caskett scenes. Rick brings in a sparkle laden confection to congratulate Captain Beckett on her first day. He then tells her to dig in and she does, pulling a jewelry box out of the dessert.  Inside is a beautiful bracelet with Always written on it. Awww. She gets a phone call that she claims is from a telemarketer, then heads off to a meeting at 1PP.

Rick goes to his newly remodeled PI office where a satisfied customer is on his way out. Rick is confused, but Alexis informs him that she's been working cases for him and has closed several already. Rick doesn't seem to know how to feel about this and I don't either. Alexis has a great relationship with Rick, but sometimes her brattiness grates on me. Can he really take her on as his partner? I don't really want Rick to look bumbling standing next to his daughter, you know? I guess we shall see.

Rick gets a call from the boys that they can't find Beckett and he tells them she had a meeting at 1PP. The boys get a murder call and Rick offers his assistance. The team gets to the murder scene where three bodies are being processed at the scene.  As they go upstairs to see where the shooter was standing, Rick finds that beautiful bracelet he gave Beckett in a pool of blood. Uh oh.

The blood matches Beckett's and the hunt is on to find her. The team tracks one of the deceased's stolen IDs to an apartment and when they go there, Castle discovers a woman is hiding in the curtains. She tells them she's been investigating stolen Social Security numbers (I love her English accent btw) and she doesn't know anything about Beckett.

The guys get a call about a van with blood outside a dry cleaners where the owner was taken hostage. They head over there and find Beckett's clothing. The owner tells them that Beckett wasn't a hostage at all, that she was telling an East Indian man who was dizzy that he should have eaten breakfast instead of calling her. Yeah. That telemarketer phone call really hits Castle in the gut when he realizes she lied to him. Castle gets a phone call from Alexis asking him to come back to the office. He does, and Hailey is there. They agree to work together and she takes him to a storage locker full of next-gen weapons, while Alexis researches the East Indian guy and how Beckett managed to call in a prank 911 call and stole insulin from the ambulance that responded.  Alexis gets a tag off the cab that the surveillance tape caught and finds out that Beckett went to the prison where Bracken is. Sigh. I thought that was all over with him.

Castle goes to the prison and Bracken taunts him that Kate will never be happy as just Mrs. Castle and won't be happy until her mom's murder is solved. Um, isn't it solved already? Please, let it be solved already. Castle walks out of the prison and the girl who murdered the guy in the bar is waiting for him and presses a gun to his side. She comments that he doesn't seem surprised or worried about the gun being held on him and he says that happens to him often. haha. So true. She injects him to knock him out and throws him in the back of a van. (This prison must have terrible security by the way, since it happens right outside the prison doors pretty much). But then he gets taken to some warehouse and tied to a chair. Another guy comes in with a gun and asks him where his wife is. Castle doesn't know and tells him that, but the guy doesn't believe him and gets out a bag full of BIG HAIRY SPIDERS. *shiver* He puts a few on Castle's face to play psychological games with him, but Castle maintains he doesn't know. Then the guy pours all the spiders into a plastic bag and PUTS IT OVER CASTLE'S HEAD! Oh man. I would have freaked out. Dangerous or not, spiders crawling all over my head while it's encased in a plastic bag would give me nightmares for the rest of my life.

When he finally decides Castle is telling the truth, he says it's time for Castle to die, but Castle has worked his way out of the zip tie and runs away. He's caught of course, but just before the bad guys can shoot him, Beckett runs in and saves the day. Castle is dazed and trying to get information from her, but she just says she loves him and runs away. The boys come in, but there's no sign of Beckett. They take in the suspect, (the girl who brought Castle to the warehouse) but she won't talk and starts a shootout in precinct and is killed. She did mention that there was more than one team after Beckett and our ending shot is of a pensive Beckett at a window while a team in black, loaded with weapons, approaches.

Wow.

Tons of action. An edge of your seat episode. But at the same time, I am sad that Castle and Beckett are once again in the dark about what the other is doing. It sort of feels like we've done the keeping secrets, going out on your own, thing before. I thought that after all they've been through, Castle and Beckett would be beyond this. But, I'm going to reserve judgment until I see her reasons for keeping this from him.

Can't wait for next week!

Did you see the episode? What did you think?

Book Review: Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince

I stayed up WAY too late last night, but I HAD to see how Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore ended.  It is a romantic, sigh-worthy historical romance that really caught me by surprise.

Meg Burton has come from South Carolina to England, in the hopes of finding herself a husband. She's a girl who craves adventure and thinks that a castle in England would be the best bet in finding one.  Until her brother mentions that their family really needs her to find a rich husband because they are nearly at the edge of their finances. This puts a damper on things because Meg is then required to put aside her own talents (like poetry and politics and finding adventure) and discuss the weather and other silly things. It is definitely not what she'd hoped for---until she makes the acquaintance of a stable hand, who's not really a stable hand but Prince Rodrigo de Talavera.

The Prince is in hiding because of the royal family being kidnapped. He's desperately trying to find out where his parents have been taken, and is frustrated that he can't seem to find them and is in a prison of his own.  Being constantly guarded, even on a grand estate, holds no interest for him.  Until he meets Meg Burton. She mistakes him for a stable hand and he lets that assumption go on. But the more time he spends with her, the more he comes to care for her.  Will she understand why he deceived her and didn't reveal his true identity? Or will he lose her as well?

I loved how the author brought these two people together. There was so much witty dialogue and fun scenes that made me laugh, it truly was fun to read. It wasn't all fluff, however, and the time period was well-represented with the different cultural backgrounds of each character from England, Spain, and America particularly well done.  I loved the journey each character went through and the ending had me closing the book with a happy sigh.  This one is a keeper for sure!

You can download your Kindle copy herefor $10.49

Here's the back copy:

1812

Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents’ last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.

Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?

Friday Freebie

Today's Friday Freebie looks like a cute romance from Lindzee Armstrong called First Love Second Choice.

Here's the back copy:

A sweet and clean contemporary romance novella from the Amazon bestselling Sweet and Sassy Anthology: Hidden Identities collection, now with a never-before-seen bonus epilogue!

When wedding planner Keslee gets asked on a date by her long-lost high school crush, Bryce, everything should be perfect. But Bryce mistakes Keslee for her deceased twin sister, Jadyn. And Keslee doesn’t correct him. Talk about awkward. To make matters worse, she learns they’ll be seeing a lot more of each other because Bryce is the marketing director at the venue where Keslee’s new client has chosen to get married. Keslee knows the charade can’t last much longer, and fears she’ll lose Bryce forever when she tells him the truth.

You can download your free Kindle copy here 

McRoll Part 6--A Second Chance

My McRoll girls have been waiting so patiently for the last part of my finale fic. Here it is! I'm excited to see the premiere next week and what's ahead for our couple. I hope you've enjoyed this little peek into what I think was going through McRoll's mind during last season's finale.  As always I do not own these characters and this is just for entertainment purposes.

If you've missed any of the other parts, you can read them here:

Part 1--Just Because

Part 2--The Phone Calls

Part 3--Jet Lag

Part 4--Just Say It

Part 5--We've Got This

Part 6--A Second Chance

Catherine kept her eyes trained on the horizon, watching the last place she’d seen the helo. She wrapped her hand around her middle, trying to calm the adrenaline coursing through her. He can do this. She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. They’ll be okay.

Kono reached out for Catherine’s hand and she squeezed her fingers, knowing Kono was probably thinking the same things she was. In that moment Catherine couldn’t feel the breeze or hear the waves. All her focus was on listening for the thrum of those helicopter blades bringing Steve and Danny safely home.

“I wish we had a radio so we knew what was going on,” Kono said softly.

Catherine wanted to agree, but knew a radio might make it that much worse. This was taking way too long. Something was wrong. She could feel it. But would it be worse to have that confirmed over the radio? Or better to just trust her instincts that they could all walk away from this? She didn’t know. “They’ll be okay,” she repeated. They had to be. She hadn’t even finished her sentence when the explosion rocked the ground beneath them. Shielding her eyes, she bit down on her lip and scanned the horizon. “Come on.”

Seconds ticked by, but it felt like hours. Then finally, she spotted them. Relief washed over her and her knees felt weak. They’re alive. They’re okay. She folded her arms against the feelings flooding over her, wishing she could sit, but wanting to be right where she was at the same time.

Within moments, she was watching Steve get out of the helicopter. Happiness replaced her fear and she wanted to run to him, wrap him in her arms and never let him go. Steve had always courted danger just by the nature of his job, but she’d been truly scared today, for him and for what was left unsaid between them. Now they’d have their chance.

She stood rooted to the spot, unable to take her eyes off Steve as he walked toward her. That crooked smile of his was the last straw, though, spurring her into action. She moved toward him, and when he stretched out his arms, she walked into his kiss and his embrace, like they’d been doing it for years. Like they hadn't missed a beat.

She was truly home.

Holding him close for a second longer than necessary, she breathed him in and all her worry she’d been holding in fell away. Steve pressed her close, as if he needed to feel her as much as she needed to feel him. She smiled and pulled back slightly, running a hand along his jaw. He was fine. Whole. Hers.

It wasn’t long before they were all in their cars trying to get Kono to her wedding as close to on time as possible. The ride from the beach to the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club was probably the shortest drive ever not recorded in Hawaiian history. They pulled up and Steve took Catherine’s hand as soon as they were out of the car.

“Kono, do you need anything?” she said as they ran inside.

“I’m good,” she said as she rushed off. “Meet you down there in five.”

As they approached the steps that led down to the ceremony, Steve offered Catherine his arm and she took it, feeling the warmth and strength of him beneath his jacket.

“We made it,” she said, leaning into him.

He tucked her closer to his side. “Yeah, we did.” They walked down the stairs with Grover, Chin, and Danny right behind them and headed to where the rest of the guests waited.

A little wind-blown, Steve and Catherine stopped just before the wedding aisle began. “How do I look?” he asked her.

She touched his lapel and straightened his tie. Looking up into his eyes, a zing of attraction went up her spine. Perfect, she wanted to say, but didn’t. Why couldn’t she just tell him? Her feelings had been on the tip of her tongue since she’d gotten back.

“Where’s the guest of honor?” Grover asked and Catherine followed Steve’s gaze.

“Guys,” Steve said and they all turned to look at the bride coming toward them. Standing there on Steve’s arm, Catherine could only feel grateful she was there to share in the moment with her friends. Nothing but happiness permeated the air.

They watched Danny go down the aisle with Grace and then it was their turn. Her steps matched Steve’s and in that moment she knew she couldn’t keep it in any longer. Staring at his chin she gathered her courage and said the words she’d wanted to say since the moment she’d landed in Hawaii. “I missed you.”

She glanced up at him to see his reaction and smiled to see the look he reserved only for her on his face. “I missed you, too.”

Her heart leapt. It was going to be okay. They were together. And they had a second chance.

Word Count Wednesday

photo credit: plnaugle via photopin cc 

Well, I didn't achieve my goals this week. Any of them.  Family life took over and my writing fell by the way side.  I don't regret it, because my family always comes first, but I'm definitely going to do better in carving out writing time this week.

I want to finish my current draft of my new project. And work on Book Two in the series. I have had so many ideas flowing to me, my muse is ready, and I know this is going to be a good week. Positive vibes, right?

How did you do this week?  Did you reach your goals?

Castle Sneak Peek

Have you guys SEEN the new Castle promo and sneak peek? Oh my goodness, I cannot WAIT for next week!  It looks so dang good!

Here's the promo (And I had to just link it because for some reason it won't let me post the vid!)

Here's the sneak peek

So, what do you think?  Will Castle's new partnership flourish or die? What do you think of the introduction of the new girl?  Kate's new job?

Are you smiling as big as I am? Is it Monday yet?

Second Chance Ranch Review And Giveaway!

I am so excited to tell you about Liz Isaacson's new book, Second Chance Ranch.  This was a book I could not put down! (Don't forget to scroll all the way down for the giveaway!)

Squire Ackerman has returned home after his tour of duty injured physically and emotionally. He's trying to save his family ranch without telling his father exactly how badly their last financial adviser has hurt them.  But his father hires Kelly as their new accountant---the one woman Squire hasn't been able to forget.

Kelly is trying to move on from a divorce, living with her parents until she can save enough money of her own to support her and her four-year-old son.  When she gets the job at Three Rivers Ranch she's ecstatic because that will help her do that, until she comes face-to-face with Squire again. He was her best friend's little brother, but he has turned into so much more. She tries to quash her attraction to him since he's her boss and the last time she got involved with her boss it ended in divorce. But circumstances throw them together again and again and their feelings are too hard to ignore. But should she follow her heart and risk being hurt again?

I loved these characters and the inner turmoil they were both experiencing drew me back again and again to see how they would deal with it all. I loved how Squire had always been drawn to Kelly, but a misunderstanding at the prom had forced him to try and forget about her.  Yet, when it came right down to it, she was the woman he needed all along.  Kelly was so relatable as a single mom trying to do right by her kid and piece her life back together. She didn't inspire pity in me at all, though, because she was doing what so many women have to do---pull herself up by her bootstraps and do her best for her child.  I loved the relationship tension building slowly and surely, it wasn't an insta-love, but two mature adults trying to figure things out. The description and setting were spot on and I know I'll be looking for this author's next clean inspirational romance!

You can get your Kindle copy here for $3.99

Here's the back copy:

After his deployment, injured and discharged Major Squire Ackerman returns to Three Rivers Ranch, anxious to prove himself capable of running the cattle operation so his parents can retire. Things would be easier if the ranch wasn’t missing 1.6 million dollars, which forces Squire to hire Kelly, the girl who rejected his high school prom invitation, as his accountant. She’s back in town with her four-year-old son, living in her parent’s basement until she can get her life back together. With fresh ink on her divorce papers and open gashes on her heart, she’s not ready for much beyond her new job on the ranch. Squire wants to forgive Kelly for ignoring him a decade ago. He’d like to provide the stable life she needs, but with old wounds opening and a ranch on the brink of financial collapse, it will take patience and faith to make their second chance possible. For fans of inspirational western romance authors Kimberly Krey, Becky Wade, and Denise Hunter.

 Goodreads:  

Amazon:  

Liz Isaacson writes inspirational romance, usually in a Western setting because of her love of horses and cowboys. In her real life, she is Elana Johnson, hybrid author of several YA and adult romance novels. She is a teacher of technology and she wants to travel the world.

Blog: 

Twitter:  

Facebook:  

Liz is giving away $10 Paypal cash for helping to spread the word about her new release. Check out the options in the Rafflecopter and enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Double Friday Freebie

I have two Friday Freebies for you today!

The first one is Wicked: Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It's the book that the musical Wicked was based off of. We went to Wicked the musical last year and I really liked it! I haven't read the book, but hey, it's free so now's obviously the time!

Download your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

This is the book that started it all! The basis for the smash hit Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Gregory Maguire's breathtaking New York Times bestseller Wicked views the land of Oz, its inhabitants, its Wizard, and the Emerald City, through a darker and greener (not rosier) lens. Brilliantly inventive, Wicked offers us a radical new evaluation of one of the most feared and hated characters in all of literature: the much maligned Wicked Witch of the West who, as Maguire tells us, wasn’t nearly as Wicked as we imagined.

The second one is Book One in Teyla Branton's series, The Change. The fifth book in the series is set to come out at the end of the month and I can't wait! If you want to see how it all started, you'll definitely want this one.

Download your free copy here:

Here's the back copy:

Death, Life, or Love—Unbounded Always Play for Keeps

There are only two ways to kill Unbounded, and fire isn’t one of them—as law school dropout Erin Radkey learns the hard way. By fluke of a recessive gene, she has become Unbounded, a nearly immortal being with paranormal abilities.

Erin’s Change separates her from her loved ones and alters everything she believes to be true. A week earlier she was considering a marriage proposal; now she contemplates the best way to stay alive. Caught in a battle between two Unbounded groups, the Emporium and the Renegades, she is also hunted by a secret mortal society sworn to eradicate the Unbounded gene.

As Erin plunges into this dangerous new life, she must carve out her own place in the madness, protect her mortal family, and decide which group she should join. Her unique ability is vital to both groups in the race to secure an identification software that spells death for all Unbounded—or enslavement for the entire mortal world. Some will stop at nothing to use Erin as one more pawn in a battle that has spanned centuries. Erin’s undeniable attraction to Ritter Langton, whose family was massacred by opposing Unbounded two hundred and forty years ago, complicates her choices. There are no second chances. Death, life, or love—Unbounded always play for keeps.

Non-stop action, terrifying consequences, and powerful romance make The Change an exciting addition to the world of romantic urban fantasy.

Book Blast & $100 Giveaway!

I am so excited about this book! Omar Zagouri is such an awesome multi-faceted character, I can't wait to see what happens to him next.  I have to wait until Lost King is released December 1st, but at least I can pre-order it (for $4.99) so I'll get it the day it comes out! You can, too, just click here!

And don't forget to scroll down for the $100 giveaway!

From USA TODAY bestselling author H.B. Moore

Undercover agent Omar Zagouri has been ordered to Giza. A prominent Egyptologist was murdered, and a priceless artifact—the only complete version of the Book of the Dead—is missing. Omar is still reeling from the recent disappearance of his girlfriend, Mia Golding, but he puts his quest to find her on hold to track down the lost piece of history. Omar’s mission is not just to locate the sacred book; he must also rescue the two archaeologists kidnapped and forced to translate its hieroglyphics under threat of death. Their kidnapper is determined to discover the text’s rumored explosive revelation: that Moses did not receive the Ten Commandments from God but instead copied them from the Egyptians. Though Omar’s need to find Mia grows more urgent, he must focus on finding the enemy who will stop at nothing to ignite a controversy that will change history, and the world, forever.

Author H.B. Moore H.B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women’s fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Blog

Book Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Writer Goal Wednesday

photo credit: plnaugle via photopin cc 

Well, this week went great for me! I got in 3214 words and I'm nearly done with the first draft of this novel! Woohoo! I am really enjoying the turns the story has taken and the way the characters are shaping up. I think this might be my new favorite book!

As I mentioned before, I am trying something I've never done before---writing two books simultaneously.  So far that's not going great. I've done really well on Book One, but Book Two isn't even half done. But, the good news is, that when I finish Book One's draft, then I'll do Book Two and can edit them at the same time, maybe? I don't know. But I am still excited at the idea of releasing two books in a series at or near the same time.

So, my goal for next week is to finish the first draft of Book One! And write five pages on Book Two.  It's a big goal, but I think I can stretch to accomplish it this week.

How did you do on your goals this week?

Ashes Ashes Is Available In Audio!

I'm so excited to announce that my novel, Ashes Ashes is now available in audio book!

You can listen to a free sample and download your Audible copy here for only $19.95

Here's the back copy:

Are you ever really innocent until proven guilty?

Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out---if she tells him the truth.

Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him---including the woman at the center of it all?

Heroes of the Dustbin (Janitors #5) Review

After the ending in Book 4, my family was anxious to see how the series would end and Tyler Whitesides does not disappoint! (And don't you love that cover? It's so awesome!)

Heroes of the Dustbin dives right into the action and Spencer and Daisy are forced to make some really difficult decisions one after the other as they try to figure out who to trust (enemies or friends?) and where to turn to help them rescue their allies.

It was easy to see in this book that our hero and heroine are characters who have grown so much over the series, but are still relatable and people that my kids would want to be friends with. I loved how they can rely on each other now, and how they make decisions for the betterment of others.  It's a subtle, yet wonderful theme throughout.  The biggest draw, though, besides the awesome heroes and memorable villains, is the clever uses of everyday items like plungers and squeegees. I was amazed at the author's imagination and how believable everything was! So much fun.

The action doesn't stop right from the beginning and keeps the book barreling to a twisty and turny end with surprises that I didn't see coming. The entire book was one we couldn't put down and my kids begged for one more chapter every night.  We are sad this is the final book in the series, but it was a great ending and I know we'll be reading this series over and over.  A fantastic family read!

You can get your hardcover copy here for $14.00

Here is the back copy:

Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his team of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all—or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a gripping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you'll never forget!

McRoll Part 5--We've Got This

This is for Lucky and all my McRoll girls. Never give up hope! There is one more part after this, to finish off my version of McRoll from the last season finale. Not much longer and we'll get our season opener, hopefully with some amazing McRoll moments! *fingers crossed*

As always, I do not own these characters and this is just for fun and entertainment purposes.

Part 5
We've Got This

Catherine stood at the table where she’d been so many times in the past, listening to Kono tell them what she’d found.  This time, though, the crisis was unlike anything they’d ever faced. So many people would be killed and hurt, the island irrevocably changed if they didn’t find that nuke.  Her heart sank, seeing what they were really up against.  Could they really find it with so little time?

She gripped the edge of the table.  They could and they would do this.  They had to. This team was the only chance the island had.  And every face that surrounded that computer screen trying to save the day was dear to her.  That was the one and only bright spot to the entire thing¾being here with Steve and her closest friends.  She couldn’t imagine how it would have felt if she’d been halfway around the world and something had happened to any of them.

That was the real problem, though. She’d stayed away, used her time in Afghanistan to try and forget what she was leaving behind here to pay her debt there. In the end, it felt like she’d paid a hundredfold. Life had gone on for them and stood still for her. How many nights had she lain awake in the heat of that faraway country wondering¾did Steve miss her as much as she missed him?  Did the team ever think about her?  Had her sacrifice been worth it?

She brought her mind back to the present when Chin came in, giving them a solid lead on where the nuke could be. They headed out and as they reached the door, Steve held it open for her.  She gave him a small smile, which he returned. Just like old times.  How often had she watched this team save the world? And they would do it again, she had no doubt.

They slipped into their routine, as if Catherine had never left and she was grateful.  With Kono beside her in the car, running back up for the boys, her nerves settled down a bit.  She kept a close distance between her and Steve, matching his driving skills when he whipped around the corner and cut off the trolley.  Within seconds she was out of the car with Kono, guns drawn. 

Muscle memory took over as Steve took care of things and she watched his back. He really is amazing to watch in action, she thought.  Cool, collected, and in charge.  Even with a nuke in front of him. But when Catherine glimpsed that nuke and heard Steve tell Danny they couldn’t disarm it, her palms began to sweat. A nuclear weapon might be the one thing bigger than even Steve McGarrett.  It was too dangerous. 

She didn’t voice her thoughts as Steve made the decision not to wait for the military to come and disarm it.  They all rallied to help him, as they always did. It’s logical, she told herself, but it didn’t calm her at all. So many risks with his life and Danny’s.

As if he could read her thoughts, Steve called to her.  “Catherine, we’re going to take care of this and get it on the helo. You be the lead, okay?” His voice soothed her and when he glanced at her for confirmation, all she could do was nod. She would always help him, always be there when he needed her.  That was something he didn’t need to question.  

But questions were still running through her mind. Even though she would lead the way and get him there as fast as possible, what if he didn’t come back? What if they didn’t get a chance to talk and she could tell him how she really felt?  There was so much she wanted to say, but the words clogged in her throat.  She turned away and got in the car. Focus. Steve needs you if he’s going to get the nuke off the island.  In her heart she knew the only person who could do it was Steve.  And she would do whatever he asked her to do.

As she drove, she watched him in her rearview, assuring herself he was still there.  So many scenarios ran through her mind as to what could happen.  Fear began to squeeze her heart, but she pushed it back.  They could do it.  Kono reached over and touched her arm.  “It’ll be okay.”

Catherine tried to smile, but felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes.  “We’ve got this.”

They didn’t say anything else, each lost in their own thoughts.  Getting out of the car, she watched Steve unload the nuke from the trolley, feeling helpless, wanting to go to him and knowing she couldn’t. There was no way she would let him see her emotion when he needed her to be strong.  Steve gave her a quick look, his eyes serious, telling her the things he couldn’t say.  There was no time for words, but she knew what he was thinking anyway. She was thinking the same thing. 

They needed more time.

As she watched the helo fly away, it felt like her heart was flying away with it. Come back to me, she thought.  Shielding her eyes until the helo was only a black dot on the horizon, she looked heavenward and murmured. “Please.”

Freebie Friday (TWO Freebies Today!)

I have two freebie for you today and they both look awesome!

The first one is I, Spy by Jordan McCollum. This was a fantastic romantic suspense and was a Whitney Award finalist, but it's also a book that is on my keeper shelf! You can read my review of it here

and download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

Canada is probably the last place you’d expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets—and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too—until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn’t the only thing suffering. Now to save her secrets and her country, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

Clean romantic suspense novel featuring love, lies, secrets & spies; volume one in a clean romantic suspense trilogy. Get a free, award-nominated prequel novel inside!

The second freebie is To Sleep No More by Kathleen Marks. I haven't read this one yet, but it has a paranormal sensitive cat in it, so who wouldn't want to read about that?

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

She's heartbroken. He's the man who loves her.

In this tale of romance, suspense, and fantastical mystery, preternaturalist Alexandra (Alex) Dalton and her paranormal sensitive cat are hunting for the person who kidnapped and murdered Alex’s three-year-old daughter when her uncle’s deathbed request sends her across the country to solve two mysterious Night Hag murders. The worst part? She must once again risk her heart as she joins forces with her estranged husband, the handsome treasure hunter, Richard Dalton.

Mysteries of Cove Book Trailer!

My son and I got to be extras in the Mysteries of Cove book trailer a while back and the trailer is out! You can see the back of my head in the first crowd scene (middle back) and my son is in the front near the guy speaking. So cool!

But the best part is, the book trailer is fantastic! This is a book your whole family will love. It will be out at the end of this month. You can preorder your hardback copy for $13.94 here