Saturday, 12 April 2025

Sneak Peak at When Darkness Comes: Book One/Connor Hale Post-Apocalyptic Thriller series coming soon!

 


Chapter One

Mckenna

Day One: Friday, May 23, 2055

Mexico City, Sinaloa

7:00 a.m.

Her heartbeat quickened to the point Mckenna Stuart feared her security detail would begin to notice. This is it. Hold it togetheralmost there. She kept her head facing forward staring out the front window of the unmanned uFree sky link, her nails digging into her palms, avoiding looking at the menacing security guard she’d never trusted. The compact pod was illegal in the town proper, but Diego paid the air marshals to look the other way. Lily, her four-year-old daughter, crowded in next to her. Lily had been quiet for the thirty-minute air ride from the compound, clutching her teddy bear to her chest. She reached out a trembling hand and smoothed the young girl’s bright curls, praying she had made the right decision. The pod landed in the parking lot behind the hair salon. When the door slid open automatically, the guard spoke up.

“I’ll be by to pick you up in one hour. Don’t be late.”

Mckenna cleared her throat. “Better make it two, I’m getting highlights done.”

Without even turning her head, she knew the burly man was now staring right at her, calculating, judging.

“It takes time to do well. Not my fault. And you know how important tonight is. Diego’s expecting me to look my best.” She detested this man almost as much as her husband, but she feared her husband more.

He narrowed his eyes. “I’m thinking I need a trim. Let’s go.”

Mckenna froze. “The owner won’t like it. They only do women’s hair here. Otherwise, how can we get to talk female things and not be overheard?”

The only response was a grunt followed by a garlicky belch. The man was an animal, a brute only kept in Diego’s employ to frighten those who would dare think of rising up against him. Diego considered himself king of Sinaloa, a man who had completely pulled the wool over her eyes when she had met the charming, devilishly handsome playboy. He had swept her off her feet in Miami where her family had landed after leaving Alaska, promising to make her his queen. Now she was nothing but his prisoner as he grew ever more paranoid by the day about someone taking anything from him. She’d blame the drugs for his behavior, but it went far deeper. Sometimes, when she glanced into his eyes of late, she had no idea who she was looking at.

It was a hard life for her, but it was even worse for Lily with no friends to play with. And after he’d recently threatened to cut her throat if she even looked at another guy, she knew it was time. She had one chance at this and now the security guard was standing in their way.

“What’s the hold up?” a gruff voice interrupted her thoughts.

Mckenna quickly helped her tiny, precious daughter out of the seat. Then she picked her up in her arms to carry her the short distance into the salon.

The guard followed so close behind her down the hallway she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. Lily held on tighter to her, a small whimper escaping her lips as she pressed her small head against her mother’s chest, her small body trembling. No child should have to live like this. Resentment tightened her resolve, straightened her spine.

“No men allowed,” a voice spoke up sternly from inside the larger room. The salon’s owner, Teresa Mendez, stood there, one hand on her hip and gesturing with cutting shears in the other for him to leave. She then pointed out a customer in the front area, her face covered by a white cloth. “I have a special client this morning and her patron would not appreciate a man anywhere near her. Any man. I assume you know Carlos Trejo.”

The guard behind her hesitated and Mckenna used the distraction to quickly walk into the salon. She sat down on one of the styling chairs and cradled Lily on her lap with her teddy bear.

“Come back in two hours. No sooner,” Teresa added.

A few seconds of pure terror for Mckenna. She closed her eyes and prayed the guard would go away as she bent her head down and kissed the top of her daughter’s head. She breathed in the fresh scent of strawberry shampoo and felt the love for her daughter fill her with strength. Then as if God had heard her prayers, the bodyguard turned and left, his heavy footfalls echoing in her mind until they faded away. When the back door slammed behind him, she looked up and met Teresa’s eyes in the mirror. She nodded her teary-eyed thanks.

The woman with the towel over her face pulled it off to reveal it was Teresa’s assistant Sienna hidden under it.

“I figured that bastarda would try something. Come, there’s no time to waste. I have wigs and clothes picked out for you both.” Teresa led them through the salon and up the steep staircase that led to the apartment above. On the kitchen table were two head forms, a child’s size and one considerably larger. Teresa had measured them both weeks ago, deciding on a medium brown, collar-length bob with thick bangs for Mckenna and a longer, wavy light brown one for her daughter.

Mckenna twisted her long hair into a quick knot and pinned it tight to the back of her head. Then Teresa slipped on a net to hold it in place before pulling the wig down over Mckenna’s head and arranging it to cover all her bright red-gold hair that hung to her waist. “I would have cut and done your hair, but there’s no time. Roberto is waiting to escort you through the tunnel. The bigger head start you get from him, the better, hermosa.” The stylist then picked up a tube of lipstick. “This red will transform you as well. You don’t wear much makeup and never anything bright. It will be unexpected.”

Mckenna gave a small smile at the term of endearment Teresa always called her as she quickly took the tube and added a film to her lips. It was nice to be called beautiful after years of being told she was too fat and needed to lose weight or that her hair wasn’t perfect or her breasts weren’t large enough. Diego could never be pleased; she saw that now. His paranoia kept him from enjoying his life and his terrible need to appear perfect to the world. While all Mckenna wanted for her and Lily was a life lived without fear of never knowing what the day would bring.

The two women then transformed Lily, reassuring her she was going to be playing a part in a game, pretending to be a princess looking to help the Chaneques by going on a journey to find the land of snow and ice.

“I can help them, Mommy. What do they want me to do?” Lily asked with wide eyes, her former fear of the bodyguard fading away. Her slight lisp from the loss of a front baby tooth made her smile. Her cornflower blue eyes reminded Mckenna of her own. They also shared the titian hair of her Scots heritage. Something that made them stand out in Mexico.

“You must tell know no one about the Chaneques. Not even your daddy. Once we discover this new land, their handsome prince promises to keep us safe from harm.” Please let Connor still be there and willing to take them in, if not for her sake, for her daughter’s. Last word she’d had of him was years ago before she’d left Florida for Mexico, but she knew him to be attached to his family and couldn’t imagine him ever leaving Alaska.

“Is Daddy going to be there?”

“For now, sweetheart, he must stay behind in Mexico.” She didn’t add she prayed with all her might he would never find them. “But he has many guards to protect him, and he can’t help the Chaneques like we can.

Lily nodded her head, the new brown hair making her almost unrecognizable except for her bright blue eyes. They would both wear sunglasses as much as possible to hide the fact. “Because we’re girls. That’s why, right? Only girls can help them.”

“Yes, Lilybelle, only girls can help them. Daddies aren’t even capable of seeing them.” She used Lily’s favorite nickname, knowing she’d smile or giggle.

“Let’s get you both into the new clothes. I’ve packed a bag for both of you as well.” Teresa slid the two newly minted passports across the table. “Keep these safe.”

“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me and my daughter, Teresa.” Mckenna’s eyes filled with tears again she blinked away. She couldn’t risk upsetting Lily.

“I bought you a new IC.” Teresa handed over the biometric device. The IC or Intelligent Communications device was nestled in its two-inch-sized lens carrying case that made everything else before it obsolete as soon as it hit the market. Placed in the eye, the flexible film allowed easy access to all personal data and made thought calls or think-speak as it was more commonly called, easily connecting to internet and computer services with the same thought process.

“Thanks. I’ll let you know as soon as I’m in the States. We have a short layover in Washington.” Mckenna slid the compact device into the pocket of the new jeans. Normally she wore dresses, but she was going to downplay everything today, hoping to slip through the bars of the prison she’d unintentionally created for herself and her daughter without being spotted.

***

Diego held Teresa by the throat while his bodyguards watched dispassionately from the doorway. His fingers squeezed tight until he saw her eyes start to drift. Then he slapped her hard. Once. Twice. “Tell me where they went. If you want to live another day, Teresa Sanchez, you will tell me. Or so help me God, I will send you straight to hell. But not before I make you suffer until you will wish you’d never been born.”

He’d thought to surprise his beautiful wife at the salon by bringing in gifts to delight her and the clientele who would think him a good husband. He’d bought a bouquet of scarlet roses and a high-end diamond tennis bracelet to show proper remorse for his over the top reaction the night before. Though she drove him to the edge, still, she was the mother of his child. Only to find this puta packing up to leave with no Mckenna or Lily in sight. She’d tried to say they’d left early, taken a uFree sky link home, but he knew better.

The traitorous bitch had decided to leave him. And this could not be allowed, not even if he had to track her to the ends of the earth. He was Diego Lopez. If he let this pass, he would forever be the goat. Unthinkable. It could not be condoned. Not if he had to tear out every last fingernail and hair on Teresa’s body.


Saturday, 27 July 2024

New Release from CJ Burright!

 New Release

July 30th, 2024

Wherever, Whenever by CJ Burright

Sometimes the only way to forget the ghosts of the past is to face the curse of love head-on.


Artist Vi Keller made a holy vow to never return to her quirky hometown of Devils Hollow. But when the sister she left behind pleads for help during the busy Halloween season, Vi can’t say no—even if it means a month of watching her ex-BFF Max loving someone new…and braving the darkness awaiting her return.


Max has fantasized about Vi every day since she disappeared. Some of those dreams revolve around revenge, but when Vi shows up at his historic bed and breakfast, his thoughts take a steamier turn. She may still own his heart, but he rebuilt life without her and doesn’t need a blonde bombshell with tempting artwork skin to wreck him again.


When Vi and Max are forced to partner up during the seasonal festivities, it’s just like old times, resurrecting a desire that never died. But happily-ever-afters in Devils Hollow are paid in blood and bones. Missing pets, tourist attractions turning sinister and shadows stalking the lake point to Vi’s worst fear—the spirit that failed to destroy her once has neither forgiven nor forgotten. If Max and Vi can’t untangle the tragic past of a local urban legend, they’ll lose more than a second chance at love.


Author Links

https://www.facebook.com/CJ-Burright-362988090450604/

https://www.twitter.com/CJBurright

https://www.instagram.com/cjburright/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-j-burright

http://cjburright.com/


Sunday, 12 May 2024

Why I wrote the book: No Good Deed by January Bain

 

May 12, 2024

Good Morning to you and Happy Mother's Day!

As some of you may know, I was honored and happy to sign back in December with Rough Edges Press, an imprint of Wolfpack Publishing. Since then, I have been rewarded with realizing what a great decision that was!

Today, I want to talk about my newest release and why I wrote, No Good Deed.

No Good Deed is a book written not only from real world experience, but from the heart. Many years ago, I tried to do what the protagonist does in the story. No, I didn’t go nearly as far as my character, Katie Kelly does when she hides a young girl in her safe room. I didn’t have the resources that Katie does, or the wherewithal.

I was barely out of my teens when a young woman a couple of years older than I was at the time came to me for help one day while I was at work. But I did have the loan of a half ton that would allow me to move her, her two small children, and her possessions to a new location. Loading that old truck, I felt the urgency of time pressing in. The abusive husband was at work and if he discovered she was missing, I had no idea what he would do to her. Or to me for that matter.

The part I found most unsettling, was after we managed to fill the truck box with her things, drive the thirty miles to her new location, and while we were unloading her stuff, she changed her mind. Drive me back, she demanded.

I was stunned, worried, and tried to talk her out of it. But she was more concerned that he would find her and she wouldn’t budge. I had no choice but to do as she asked, piling her things back onto the truck and tying them down. Filled with regrets, I left her that day with her two children, wishing I knew more about life and how to help her. I did try to keep in touch, but she pulled back and wouldn’t share anything more with me.

Not long after, I moved about four hours away, taking up a teaching position in a different community. I still have regrets to this day. This story, No Good Deed, is told from a bit older person’s POV, who knew more than I did, as I would know now. And looking back, I realized there was little more I could have realistically done. Do I wish it had turned out differently? Of course, but in the end, we all choose our own lives.

In No Good Deed, I have addressed this issue and it felt good to write a strong female lead that did what Katie Kelly did for her neighbor. I admire strength in people. People willing to step up and help when they can.

Please, feel free to share any thoughts you have about No Good Deed. It’s very rewarding to connect with fellow readers and I always respond promptly, thanks to my grandma. She taught me many things, sharing her values and wise advice, from never be late or keep others waiting to always be kind and helpful. I like to think I walk a little in her giant footsteps.

Wishing one and all a lovely day,

January Bain/Storyteller

 


 

New Release

May 14th, 2023

No Good Deed by January Bain

A gripping tale where good deeds intertwine with hidden crimes and a quest for truth…

Buy Links: 

https://www.amazon.com/No-Good-Deed-Psychological-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0CZG4GVFF

A gripping tale where good deeds intertwine with hidden crimes and a quest for truth…

Katie Kelly finally has the career and house of her dreams, but it’s a life built on a shaky foundation. Everything she holds dear could be stripped away in a split-second if the truth were to become known and her secrets exposed. Her best friend, Sadie, is also involved in hiding the past. The pair have managed to move on since that day of reckoning that occurred when they were just teenagers, by helping others to escape bad situations.

When a young woman runs to Katie and begs for her help, Katie is compelled to come to her aid and hides her in a safe room, locked away from her abusive boyfriend.

But then the past rises up and threatens to derail her best efforts to help the young girl, exposing her and her best friend to the vulgarities of fate as the girl is discovered to have an unexpected agenda, harboring secrets of her own. Katie is left with few choices. With her entire life crashing down around her ears, she must act to save not only herself, but her dear friend as well. Can Katie stop the past from destroying all hopes for a future?

Discover the chilling consequences of one woman's altruism in the face of hidden crimes. Join Katie Kelly as she navigates the shadows of her past, compelled to make a choice that could change lives forever.

 Author Links

Blog Address - http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/

Twitter Name – https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/january.bain

Any other social media - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain



Saturday, 11 May 2024

New Release May 14th, 2024 Get Out Of Here by Tanith Davenport

 New Release

May 14th, 2024

Get Out Of Here by Tanith Davenport

He wants her. She wants him – but she’s going to make it hard for him.


Buy Links: 

Amazon UK: https://tinyurl.com/4nb2yyx6 Amazon US: https://tinyurl.com/4x5h5pdb Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/ml6gvA


#rockstar, #rockstarromance


Photography graduate Starla Brower has always regretted not running away from her abusive home when she had the chance, as her older sisters did—especially her sister Electra, who fled with band Torque Converter six months ago. So when she decides to hitchhike away, she’s shocked to find Electra has arranged for the band to pick her up. And when lead singer Valen Lesellane rescues her from a gang of thugs by announcing she’s his fiancée, Starla goes along with it. Why not?

The band’s manager, Mike, is furious at this turn of events and the press attention it receives, but Starla finds Valen’s impulsiveness to be infectious and his touch to be irresistible. Before long she has regained contact with her other sisters and finds herself finally able to be happy, both with Valen and with her family.

But with her parents pursuing her and Mike fiercely against her relationship with Valen, can their unexpected engagement last beyond the bus tour?


Author Links:

https://www.tanithdavenport.blogspot.com,

https://www.facebook/com/TanithDavenport

https://www.twitter.com/TanithDavenport

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tanith-davenport



Saturday, 20 April 2024

Mann Hunt by Peter E. Fenton on Sale!

 Sale

April 22nd, 2024

Mann Hunt by Peter E. Fenton



How far would you be willing to go to finish the job?


Buy Link: 

https://books2read.com/u/b5WGPO


Declan Hunt is having a bad week. His kidnapping case is showing little progress, his office assistant has left him on short notice, and his latest investigation has left him literally battered and bruised. But things change when he hires twenty-four year old Charlie Watts to help out at the office. They form an unlikely partnership while trying to solve two seemingly unrelated cases whose threads begin to weave together when the missing person case turns to murder.


The investigation takes them from the dark alleys, gay bars and bath houses of Calgary to the richest parts of the city during the world-famous Calgary Stampede.


But will they be able to discover who the killer is before another life is lost? And will Declan be able to solve the mystery of his relationship with Charlie, who is clearly attracted to him — especially since it is evident that the attraction is becoming mutual?


#mystery, #mmromance, #hotcop, #hotdetective 


Author Links

https://www.facebook.com/peter.fenton.9615/

https://www.facebook.com/peterefentonromance/

@virtualfenton

https://www.instagram.com/peterefentonbooks/

https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-woodcarver-s-model-by-peter-e-fenton

https://peterefenton.ca/


Tuesday, 10 October 2023

New Release by Ellen Mint: Ember by Ellen Mint

 New Release

October 10th, 2023

Ember by Ellen Mint

Ember had devoted her life to building love for others. She never counted on Booker knocking her over.

Buy Link: 

https://books2read.com/emberhea


“Fun, fast-reading story with surprise twists and sweet and steamy

moments."

—Diana G ★★★★★


“I ended up falling in love with Ember by the end. This enemies-to-lovers story features lots of twists, an underdog MMC, and the redemption arc of a lifetime!"

—Jordan T ★★★★ 


Constructing Love is the first reality show to combine home improvement with romance. Ember Woodhouse can't wait to cast her matchmaking magic while charming America as she designs the interior of an abandoned autumn resort. Harriet Smith is an adorable country bumpkin in desperate need of Ember's help to win the entire show. Everything goes perfectly to plan... until Ember finds herself partnered with the infuriating deadweight that is Mr. Knightley.


Booker Knightley is exhausted with the show, with the producers, with life and particularly with his partner. He thought his construction background would make winning this easy. No one told him he was also expected to woo a woman who drives him mad. Miss Woodhouse is flighty and stubborn, ignoring reality in favor of her delusions of romance. He couldn't care less about love, much less the impossibility of finding it while cameras document his every breath. Booker has his own reasons for being on this show, reasons that are in jeopardy thanks to Miss Woodhouse and the scheming producers.


As the autumn leaves fall and the days grow shorter, Booker and Ember have a choice to make. If Booker doesn't learn to work with her, he'll lose his last opportunity to bring justice to his family. If Ember can't figure out how to agree with him, her fledgling design business will crash before it takes wing. One thing is certain— Miss Woodhouse will never, ever care for Mr. Knightley.


#contemporaryromance #janeausten #enemiestolovers #newrelease #newbook


Author Links

Website: https://ellenmint.blog/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ellen-mint

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

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/introvertedwife

Instagram: https://instagram.com/Ellen_Mint_Author



Sunday, 16 July 2023

New Release July 16th, 2023

When I Look In The Mirror by Tanith Davenport

Can there be a future with an angel, or is their passion doomed to end?


When hairdresser Tatum Fox takes part in a séance at a party, her only thought is of the

attractive man sitting beside her, the mysterious Zack, who appears in her dreams that night

and who she hopes to see again. However, when she begins to experience paranormal activity

and finds herself confronted by an unnerving client at work, she discovers that the séance

summoned a demon – and Zack may be the only person who can free her of him.


Zack reveals himself to be an angel, and shows Tatum that she also has the power to battle

supernatural creatures – a power that is increased through sex with him. Their connection soon

strengthens, but is Tatum strong enough to defeat the demon with Zack by her side – and can

there be a future with an angel, or is their passion doomed to end?

Buy Links: 

Books 2 Read: https://books2read.com/u/bOPO7W 

Amazon US: https://tinyurl.com/28sjjkcr


Author Links:

https://www.tanithdavenport.blogspot.com,

https://www.facebook/com/TanithDavenport

https://www.twitter.com/TanithDavenport

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tanith-davenport