Romantic Suspense Excerpt - Little Angels

 

What if saving little angels meant becoming the monster?

When Special Agent Nick McFarlane receives news his partner of eight years is in trouble he doesn’t hesitate. Throwing himself into a deep cover operation to expose and shut down The Micahs, a child trafficking ring, Nick enters unprepared for the reality that awaits. 

Special Agent Meredith Richards took the assignment fully aware of the consequences. Leaving her life behind, she wouldn’t be able to get out with her life until she shut the Micahs down for good.

When Meredith’s informant is murdered and her contact inside the organization starts to lose control, Meredith is forced to make choices she can’t take back. On the edge of sacrificing herself, her principles, and her life, she begins to wonder if she will survive the case or if she even wants too.  

Excerpt

The road was rough, and Nick hung onto the dash for fear of falling out of the jeep. After dispatching the entire force, five teams on the ground and two in the air, they'd lost the signal over half an hour earlier. Being in the middle of the dense jungle made the search almost impossible, but they were closer than they’d been just hours ago.

Nick felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and he lifted it to look, not recognizing the number. 

"McFarlane," he said into the phone and there was silence. "Hello?"

He could barely make out a voice and he looked to Jacobs to stop the car.

"Hello?"

Jacobs stopped the jeep and Nick waited.

"Meredith?" Nick said.

"Hello?" He heard a small voice say back at him.

"Hi, this is Nick, who is this?"

"Lily," she replied, her voice shaking. "Meredith..."

"Are you with Meredith, sweetheart?"

"She won't...she won't wake up..." she said, and Nick's heart stopped.

"Lily, do you know where you are?" Nick asked, looking to Jacobs, who dialed his own phone. 

"In the jungle," she replied between little sobs. "I'm scared...she's bleeding and I can't..."

"Lily, is there anything around? Do you see anything?"

"There is a jeep. I think it’s how the bad man got here," she said into the phone. Jacobs nodded and he started the jeep again. 

"Lily, listen to me, I need you to stay on the phone with me. I'm coming to get you," Nick said. 

"Please hurry...it's dark, and Meredith..."

"It's okay, Lily, we're coming," Nick replied, listening to the girl panic on the phone.

"She dying," Lily said, beginning to cry again. "Please, I don't want her to die..."

"Lily, it's going to be okay," Nick tried to reassure her—he also tried to reassure himself.

The car wasn't moving fast enough, and he felt like he was going to jump out of his skin. He was telling Lily to be brave, and he was terrified himself.

They had time. They had to have time. This wasn't the end. 

He could still get to her. 

He could still save her.

"I see lights, is that you?" Lily said to him on the phone and without thinking, he leapt from the car and ran forward, the lights of the car illuminating the path. After a moment, he saw the child seated on the ground, Meredith lying just behind her. Nick reached them in seconds and the child dove into his arms. Hugging her tightly against him, he looked to Meredith, his heart bursting.

"Please help her," she said, sobbing into his shirt.

"It's going to be okay," he said. Jacobs came and took the child from his arms.

Nick moved to Meredith, taking in her injuries. He touched her shoulder to look at her better, and felt the warm stickiness on his hand. Looking at it against the light, it was covered in blood.

"She's been shot," Nick said. He scooped her in his arms, moving back to the jeep as he saw more lights approaching. "You got this?"

"Yeah, go," Jacobs said. "I'll call Henry and have him pick you up. Keep your phone on!"

Nick put her in the passenger's seat, and tore off through the jungle. Every few seconds, he looked over to her pale face. "Come on, Henry," Nick pleaded aloud. His phone buzzed, and he picked up, talking to Henry, one of the helicopter pilots. Henry led him through the jungle to a clearing where he would be able to pick them up. Nick reached the clearing and jumped out of the car, walking around to the passenger's seat. Nick protected her from the slicing wind, hearing the helicopter's approach. He felt Meredith move beneath him.

"Nick," she said weakly, but her eyes were still heavy and they began to close again.

"Meredith...stay with me, Mere," he said taking her face in his hands. "Stay with me, we're getting you out of here."

She nodded and fell against him. Nick lifted her from the jeep. Her arm wrapped around his neck, pulling herself closer to him. He carried her on board, taking a seat with her in his lap. The door closed, muffling the noise.

She opened her eyes, looking up at him.

"Hey, beautiful," he said.

“I bet you say that to all the girls," she replied with a tired smile that lifted him.

"Not all of them, just the ones I can't live without," he replied, hugging her a little closer.

"I wish that were true," she said, and her eyes closed.

He checked her pulse and found it weak and thready. 

"Hurry!" He yelled to the pilot, and saw the man nod in return.

***

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Review - Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

"Inspired, Intuitive and a Gift to Any Reader with a Creative Soul"

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

Review

As an author, and overall creative person I found myself struggling to focus my creative flow amidst some personal chaos. I was flailing creatively and looking for something inspiring for not only my creativity but my life, I needed direction.

I didn’t read Eat, Pray Love but I know of the book. This is the first book by Elizabeth Gilbert I have read.

From the very beginning I was pulled in by Gilbert's natural creative voice. Gilbert is funny, blunt and insightful in her explanation of her creative process. The personal stories she infuses into the book are heartfelt and real anyone with a creative spirit could and will connect with the words of this book.  While it is a book about living  creative life it is supportive by a very descriptive memoir giving the reader insight into who this writer is and how she fell into success. 

Gilbert is undeniably dedicated to her craft. She shares her love, her frustrations and her path with a witty banter you will love. 

My favorite theme in Big Magic is her explanation about inspiration and ideas, how they are living breathing wisps of fate wandering around looking for a home. Someone creative will connect with these wisps and almost audition. If the idea and you get along you will live, grow and bring the idea to life.  It sounds a little kooky but I find it to be amazingly accurate. 

The book is an enjoyable and uplifting read and I find myself referring back to Big Magic in my times of crisis, and self doubt. I have sincere thanks to Gilbert for writing such an enlightening and inspiring book!

Get Big Magic Now, I have the book as well as the audio book. It is a great one to listen to while walking in the park or even on a treadmill. 

BUY IT NOW! Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

 
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Romantic Suspense A to Z - The Alpha Male

The leader of the pack, the man of the house, the head honcho. The Alpha Male is the strength and the order in chaos. He is the one you look to for guidance. It is a physical and mental strength that shows for only one in any given scenario. Alpha Male is, in a word, dominance, usually male but not always.

The alpha male is a term that is generally used to describe a male that seems dominant in his social circles, seems to possess an unending appeal towards women, and displays general leadership characteristics and traits. The term alpha male has been derived from the term 'alpha dog', a term that is used to pinpoint the leader of a pack of wolves or dogs.

Many conflicts are sourced in the code of the alpha male. It is true in the wild, and it is true in the modern world.  As writers, it is the heart of the driven plot, the classic struggle between the Protagonist and the Antagonist, and sometimes the Protagonist and the Contagonist.  The battle for power, whether for money, information, or love, is intense, heated, and sometimes violent. There are many alpha male traits that can help you distinguish between an alpha male and a beta male, both in life and in your characters.

Alpha Male Traits
Here is a list of alpha male characteristics that can help you identify alpha males in your story, and also help you develop some of these alpha male characters.
Alpha Male Traits - Personality Traits
Talking Deliberately: It is commonly observed that if one is speaking to someone in a position higher than themselves, they tend to speak fast in order to maintain their attention and interest. When an Alpha talks it is slow, thoughtful and deliberate. He knows that no matter what he says he will be listened to, and thus no need to rush through his words.
Acknowledging Others: The Alpha knows how to appreciate and acknowledge other people. H will always be open to ideas and suggestions from others and will not dismiss anyone or anything without sincerely considering them.
Aloof: Alpha’s seem like they are just not interested. Their body language seems to suggest that they are always immersed in their own thoughts, and this even makes them seem self centered. However, they are paying attention, very close attention, usually.
Attracts Women: An irresistible charm oozes out of them in the most charming manner, and sweeps all the ladies off their feet. It is no one singular characteristic, rather the combination of all the Alpha male traits which makes them so appealing.
Alpha Male Traits - Psychological Traits
Confidence: The biggest asset to possess, no matter where you are, is self

confidence. Believing in yourself, no matter what, is an Alpha trait that truly stands out. There is a fine line between self belief and arrogance, and the Alpha is well aware of these boundaries. He is supremely composed, maintaining a steady, constant level of confidence.

No Explanations: No approval needed, ever. As an Alpha he’ll follow his instincts, and does not feel he owes anybody any explanations. There is no urge within him to justify and validate his actions. The most obvious of all the Alpha characteristics is he is comfortable in his own skin, and does not seek or look to for anyone for approval.
Competing With Other Alpha Males: The most glaring thing that you will notice when you see two alpha males interacting with each other is the battle for supremacy. Each one will try and get one over on the other, and as a result they will both be constantly competing or arguing aptly called the ‘pissing contest’ which refers to how dogs mark their territory.
Feeling Threatened: Since there is a constant tussle between Alphas for supremacy, they tend to get insecure and threatened by the activities of other alpha males. The other alpha male is undermining their superiority and authority. This is one of the alpha male traits not seen in every alpha male, but only in the ones with insecurities about their position in the mix.

Everyone knows who these guys are. The traits of an Alpha Male are so unique and recognizable, almost everyone can instantly think of the Alphas around them. These guys seem to have it all. Money, women, success, leadership qualities, and ease of mind, so when building a believable alpha male you need to understand the most typically seen alpha male traits. Start with these as a skeleton and work from there.

Have fun! 

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A Vision of Fire Lights Up the Page - A Review

A Vision on Fire, by Gillian Anderson, Jeff Rovin

Renowned child psychologist Caitlin O'Hara is a single mom trying to juggle her job, her son, and a lackluster dating life. Her world is suddenly upturned when Maanik, the daughter of India's ambassador to the United Nations starts speaking in tongues and having violent visions. Maanik's parents are sure that her fits have something to do with the recent assassination attempt on her father--a shooting that has escalated nuclear tensions between India and Pakistan to dangerous levels--but when children start having similar outbursts around the world, Caitlin begins to think that there's a stranger force at work.

In Haiti, a student claws at her throat, drowning on dry land. In Iran, a boy suddenly and inexplicably bursts into flame. On the Pakistan border, a young man feels a burning in his chest and, against his will, opens fire on Indian troops. With Asia on the cusp of nuclear war, Caitlin must race across the globe and uncover the supernatural links between these seemingly unrelated cases in order to save her patient--and perhaps the world.

Review
 
This is the first novel for television and movie actress Gillian Anderson. I admit I gave A Vision of Fire a shot because I am a huge fan of the actress's work. Yes, I'm a total X-Files nerd!

Jeff Rovin has co-authored with other science fiction alumni like William Shatner and Adam West, as well as writing several Tom Clancy novels.

This science-fiction thriller collaboration is well paced and full of surprises. The main character, Caitlin O'Hara is a strong, independent, single Mom, with a successful career as a renowned child psychologist. She is a giver at heart, in her introductory scene O'Hara is negotiating with the World Health Organization for a modular house that would accommodate twenty souls sweltering or freezing in decaying tents for months.

Establishing early on that O'Hara is aware of political bureaucracy and the inner circles of the United Nations, O'Hara is called by a translator friend to assist in a medical mystery surrounding the teen daughter of Ambassador Ganak Pawar. The Indian Ambassador is in the middle of tense negotiations between India and Pakistan and Pawar is proposing Kashmir be made into a protectorate state, the distraction of his daughter's illness is putting the negotiations at risk.

O'Hara immediately jumps in and the journey begins.

Told mainly from O'Hara's point of view the book is layered and focused, seamlessly tying together each thread, willingly pulling you into the mix. A good mix of science, psychology, adventure and even some romance keep the plot moving forward with no lulls. Very interesting from the very beginning, I found myself enthralled and unable to put the book down. Lots of subtle little clues, hints along the path helping us, as the readers, to jog along. I'll admit to also very easily seeing Gillian Anderson as Caitlin O'Hara, and the visual assisted in the tale this book offers.

Without giving anything away, as the plot rolls along we see where the path leads and you begin to wonder if the authors are going to go there. Guess what? They do, and the presentation is grounded, believable and full of imagination.

Overall, very well written, enjoyable and definitely a worthy read. Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin make a great team. This is book one in a three book series. It can stand alone with no problems, but I will admit to be very excited to read the next!

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Love Owned - A Sexy, Sweet and Heart Warming Romance Full of Character!

Love Owned: A Heart Of Seeton Novel (Volume 1) by L.J. Kentowski

It’s her property…

Riley Kastner is desperate to prove she can make it as an independent business owner, if for no other reason than to avoid working for her condescending parents. Unfortunately, her fledging planning business isn’t exactly soaring. In fact, it hasn’t even lifted for takeoff. So, when she finds out she’s the beneficiary of a bar in small town, USA, she takes a chance and lets fate lead the way.

It’s his life…

Dax Beckett wanted nothing to do with his dad’s bar, but he sure as hell didn’t expect him to give it to a complete stranger, especially a big city girl who knows nothing about running one. So, what’s a guy to do to save the family business? Charm her out of her sexy undergarments, of course.

But who’s in charge, when it’s owned by love?

Making Beckett’s a success is the common goal, but are they willing to sacrifice their hearts to achieve it?

Review

Love Owned: A Heart Of Seeton Novel is a sexy, sweet, heartwarming romance with all the creamy goodness between. L.J. Kentowski has been known for her thrilling Fate Trilogy full of magic, and warring of good versus evil with loads of sexy suspense and thrilling rides. Love Owned is the first in a new romantic-comedy series for Kentowski. I think the genre shift is a nice change for her, and honestly a huge success as I was not only unable to put it down, I cried like a 17 year old girl at the end. 

I as a romantic suspense lover, wanted a little more external conflict, but Love Owed does fine without it. Not too mushy as the comedy relieves everyone taking themselves too seriously. 

I am a sucker for the big town girl meets small town world, and Dax, the hero in the story is a saucy, arrogant alpha male with a brooding heart. Portrayed beautifully in Kentowski’s prose I have to admit I had the hunky image of Luke Danes in my head the whole time (Gilmore Girls reference).

Riley , our heroine is striving for what we all look for, her place in the world and while I kinda wanted to smack her a few times I also found myself relating, laughing aloud, and swooning for Dax just as she does.

The story is simple and has good pacing, no lagging or eye rolling parts where you read through a little faster to get to the good stuff. It is all good stuff, in my opinion. The lovemaking is hot, spicy, funny and makes you smile.  While the small town of Seeton is a character in the book , it is a minor character simply enjoying the show like the rest of us(definitely a good thing).

Characters are well thought out and focused, each having their own inner debates and drivers through the novel. The emotional layers are played out not only in the action but in the dialog which I love. Very natural and full of human antics. 

Great read, I am not emotionally drained afterward, just feeling that good romance glow. Loved it, and looking forward to more romantic comedy from L.J. Kentowski!

 Buy your copy of Love Owned by L.J. Kentowski NOW!


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