Monday, December 26, 2016

The Pirate's Debt by Katherine Bone and a #Holiday #Recipe

Thanks for welcoming me aboard ship, Lady Tina. The holidays ARR a perfect time to celebrate romance and try out new things, especially recipes. BIG hugs for organizing this #Holiday Romance and #Recipe Exchange. I’m looking forward to the tasty additions I’ll be adding to my recipe file! Huzzah!
As you can see, I love the holidays. ’Tis the season for sharing and I’m especially happy to reveal one of my all-time FAVorite recipes, one that comes from my days at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the Old Plantation restaurant. These rolls, large and with good texture, are a delicious addition to any meal, any time of the year. I get loads of compliments on this one!

Old Plantation Rolls
Ingredients:
1 Egg
1 Yeast cake
1 tsp. Salt
½ cup Sugar
2 cups Lukewarm water
7 cups All-Purpose Flour

Combine dry ingredients. Create a well in center of dry ingredients. Add mixture of egg and water. Mix well, working slowly from inside out. (Dough will be hard to mix. Once dough is moistened, mix with hands, and then knead into a large ball.) Place in a greased, covered bowl and let rise to double in size. Work down, pinch off a golf ball size piece of dough, knead into ball, tucking edges under the roll and pinching them together, and then place in greased muffin tins. Cover with lightweight hand towel and let rise to double in size.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place muffin tins in oven and cook until golden brown, usually 6-7 minutes. Remove to cooling rack. Serve warm. (Great size to make turkey sandwiches—I call rollwiches—later in the evening or for lunch!)



When your feet are too tired to walk, your shopping is done, and you’ve got spare time on your hands, there’s nothing like diving into a good book. Here’s a peak at my latest release, The Pirate’s Debt, the continuing story of the Black Regent in my Regent’s Revenge Series.


Lady Chloe Walsingham is an enthusiastic gothic romance reader and hopeless romantic focused solely on finding her perfect hero. She also happens to have a penchant for getting into trouble. So when the man she loves disappears after a scandalous duel, she decides to follow him to the ends of the Earth. To do so, however, Chloe must evade her brother, an infamous revenue man, and board a ship bound for Penzance. And nothing in her beloved books can prepare her for the harsh realities of wreckers who ply the coast.
After his father destroyed the lives of countless innocent people, Basil Halford, Earl of Markwick is willing to do anything to earn back his honor. Betrayed by his blood and his reputation ruined, Markwick answers the request of a well-heeled duke and dons the Black Regent’s mask to repay the debt. His task? Rescuing a young woman who is chasing down a ghost of a man.
But a pirate has plenty of enemies, and Markwick isn’t any different. No matter how diligent a captain he may be, sailing to Lady Chloe’s rescue involves risking not only the Regent’s legacy but the last thing he can afford to lose…his heart.
  
Amazon           Nook           Kobo           Apple

~ Excerpt ~

Seated in Markwick’s cutter, cloaked in his clothing, Chloe felt incredibly shallow. To think that she’d cast all inhibitions to the wind and sailed off for an enterprising adventure, only to need to be rescued by the very man she’d set out to find. Though she hadn’t known she’d be finding the Black Regent.
Regent sightings were rare for the average villager. She’d never known anyone who’d actually met the gallant hero that stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
Oh, to be sitting so near to him now, to have touched him, to be in love with him, is even more exceptional than I imagined it would be!
She fought to curb the jubilation pulsing through her veins, igniting her headstrong passions, and forced herself to remember this was all about her devotion to Markwick and the lives lost on the very ship on which she’d obtained passage. To anyone else, the Black Regent might be a dashing pirate who’d just plucked her off the Mohegan’s decks and saved her from certain death, but Markwick was also the man she loved.
She sighed, half trembling, half in despair. Unable to tear her gaze away, she desired to stretch out her fingers and touch the man, to assure herself that he wasn’t a figment of her imagination. What kind of nightmare would that be, to discover she was dreaming and that Markwick really wasn’t there?
Oh, but the blackguard truly was just as she’d envisioned! In her mind’s eye, he’d been a swashbuckling champion born from the pages of fiction and fantasy. Now, sitting before her, was the living man whose very existence defied her infatuations because he was the man she loved. Broad-shouldered, lean, with a firm authoritarian profile, he stood a head taller than she did, and oh . . . when he’d held her in his arms on board the Mohegan, a lightheaded euphoria had immediately stunned her. Markwick had stood behind her before but only to teach her how to shoot a bow and arrow. Not like this. Never like this!
Her gaze lowered to his upper arms. They were thick, flexing muscular limbs capable of sweeping her off her feet at a moment’s whim. And oh, she wanted to be his Matilda. She wanted him to be her Theodore.
Bother. Matilda and Theodore were Horace Walpole’s creations. She and Markwick lived in the real world. She inhaled a breath of frigid, moist, salty air.
Admit the truth, you silly girl. Markwick triggered breathless exhilaration and the unbridled beat fluttering within her breast, not the Black Regent. For her, there had always only been the Earl of Markwick.


National best-selling historical romance author Katherine Bone has been passionate about history since she had the opportunity to travel to various Army bases, castles, battlegrounds, and cathedrals as an Army brat turned officer’s wife. Who knew that an Army wife’s passion for romance novels would lead to pirates? Certainly not her rogue, whose Alma Mater’s adage is “Go Army. Beat Navy!” Now enjoying the best of both worlds, Katherine lives with her rogue in the south where she writes about rogues, rebels, and rakes—aka pirates, lords, captains, duty, honor, and country—and the happily-ever-afters that every alpha male and damsel deserve.


Ports of Call:

Thank you for allowing me to share one of my all-time FAVorite holiday recipes with you and your readers, Lady Tina. I wish you and your readers a very tasty and hearty holiday season!
Blessings,
Katherine
Thanks Katherine for sharing your book and your recipe,
Tina


Saturday, December 24, 2016

A #Holiday #Recipe and a #hotread by @JeanneStJames







Pennsylvania Dutch Sand Tarts



A Pennsylvania Dutch cookie, thin and crisp and traditionally served only at Christmas.

Ingredients

  • ½ pound butter, softened (no substitutes)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs, separated
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Topping

  • ¼ cup sugar mixed with ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 4 cups whole pecans (although I didn't use that many)

Instructions

  1. If using a kitchen aid, beat the egg whites stiff first and transfer to another bowl.
  2. In the mixing bowl, beat butter until very softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add salt, and vanilla. Beat egg yolks and add.
  3. Fold in the egg whites, but not totally. You should still be able to see some of the white patches.
  4. Add in flour 1½ cups at a time.
  5. Chill overnight.
  6. Bake the next day at 350 degrees.
  7. Roll out a quarter at a time, keeping dough in refrigerator.
  8. Roll very thin and use a 2 inch scalloped cookie cutter to form or use any Christmas cutter you desire.
  9. Brush with beaten egg, top, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and top with pecan.
  10. Bake 9-10 minutes, not allowing cookie to get too brown.
  11. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
  12. Pack in tins.



(BOOK COVER)



Brother in Blue: Max by Jeanne St. James

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance





Blurb:



Big city party-girl Amanda Barber has been spoiled most of her life. But life for Amanda suddenly becomes a major challenge: adapting to small town life, dealing with her handicapped brother and constantly butting heads with a frustrating local cop.

As a police officer and former Marine, “responsibility” is Max Bryson’s middle name. Never having been in a serious relationship, he has no plans for being in one in the near future. He likes being his own man. And even if he were interested in a serious relationship, he certainly wouldn’t choose it to be with someone so immature and irresponsible as Amanda. But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t get sexy Amanda out of his head or his heart. Watching her mature in front of his eyes, his protectiveness towards her only strengthens.

Bossy and possessive aren’t the only words Amanda uses to describe this frustrating cop. She can’t deny just looking at the man makes her tremble. But she’s done with having anyone control her and this man isn’t going to be any different. Or is he?



Excerpt:



AMANDA LOOKED UP, surprised at his outburst. Before she could close the door on him, he was hauling her out of the car by her arms, kicking her car door shut.

She opened her mouth to protest but gasped as he lifted her into his arms and started striding with a determined pace to the nearest barn.

She struggled, pushing against his chest. “What the hell are you doing?”

“What I should do every time you’re a pain in my ass.”

He nudged the barn door with his shoulder and dumped her unceremoniously on a nearby stack of broken straw bales. He went back to slide the door closed and latched it.

Amanda pushed herself up to a seated position, struggling as her hands sank into the loose straw.

“Don’t even move from there.”

A shiver ran up her back. Fear? Maybe a little at the unknown, but it wasn’t all fear. No matter how many times they’d butted heads, she still wanted him.

“You really deserve to be thrown over my lap and spanked.”

She frowned, shaking her head. “You’re not going to do that.”

“Don’t bet on it.”

He dropped to his knees beside her, and she quickly started to scramble away.

He grabbed her hair, and the tug on her scalp made her still immediately.

She couldn’t tell if he was mad or frustrated or what.

She licked her dry lips. “What do you want from me?” she whispered.

“Nothing.” He scrubbed a palm over his short hair. “Everything. Jesus.” He reached for her.

Buy Links:








Author Bio:



JEANNE ST. JAMES is an erotic romance author who loves an Alpha male (or two). She was only thirteen when she started writing since it gave her an escape from teenage angst! Her first paid published piece was an erotic story in Playgirl magazine. Her first erotic romance novel, Banged Up, was published in 2009. She is happily owned by farting French bulldogs. She writes M/F, M/M, and M/M/F ménages.



She has a few new releases coming up in 2017. So keep an eye on her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: https://www.MyAuthorBiz.com/ENewsletter.php?acct=JJ4625816541890



Author Links:












 Thanks for sharing your recipe and book with us,

Tina






Wednesday, December 21, 2016

A #Holiday #Recipe from romantic suspense author @Kris_Bock






Crock Pot Cheese Fondue Dip


This is a wonderful treat for a holiday party!


1 (10.75 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

1 cup milk
1/4 cup or more green chiles (these can often be found canned in the Mexican section of the grocery store)
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp. chives
1 Tbsp. garlic

Serve with corn chips, celery sticks, cauliflower, etc.


  1. Combine all ingredients in a fondue pot or small crock pot.
  2. Heat on medium, stirring frequently, until smooth and well blended.
  3. Adjust heat to warm and serve in the pot, with chips or veggies on the side. If it starts to get too thick, stir in a little more milk.



See “the dead man’s treasure bonus material” in the left-hand column of Kris Bock’s website for more New Mexico recipes.



Photo credit: New Mexico green chile, by Littlemisslibrarian, Creative Commons License




The Mad Monk’s Treasure



The lost Victorio Peak treasure is the stuff of legends—a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. When Erin, a quiet history professor, uncovers a clue that may pinpoint the lost treasure cave, she prepares for adventure. But when a hit and run driver nearly kills her, she realizes she’s not the only one after the treasure. And is Drew, the handsome helicopter pilot who found her bleeding in a ditch, really a hero, or one of the enemy?



Erin isn’t sure she can trust Drew with her heart, but she’ll need his help to track down the treasure. She heads into the New Mexico wilderness with her brainy best friend Camie and a feisty orange cat. The wilderness holds its own dangers, from wild animals to sudden storms. Plus, the sinister men hunting Erin are determined to follow her all the way to the treasure, no matter where the twisted trail leads. Erin won’t give up an important historical find without a fight, but is she ready to risk her life—and her heart?



“The story has it all - action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship....”



“Great balance of history, romance, and adventure. Smart romance with an “Indiana Jones” feel.”



 Well-written with an attention to detail that allowed me to picture exactly in my head how a scene looked and played out.”


Excerpt:



Among all the legends, all the fact and fiction, one story stood out. The Victorio Peak legend had it all. A Franciscan priest and a swindler. Torture, murder, a government cover-up. Where was the truth, among all the stories? Erin wanted to find out. Over time, and with Camie’s encouragement, she’d started to take the treasure hunt more seriously. It wasn’t so much for the treasure itself—that would most likely belong to the government or the landowners. But it would make her reputation, open up new job opportunities—change her life in ways she hardly dared dream.



She touched the book gently. The pages were falling out; she didn’t want to risk carrying it around. Instead, Erin snapped a picture of the petroglyphs with her phone. That would be enough to show Camie for now.



The timing was perfect; she just had to turn in grades and field a few tearful last-minute requests for extensions, and she’d be done for the semester. What better way to spend the summer, than hunting for buried treasure?



Erin shook her head. Who would’ve thought that she, the quiet, studious girl who’d spent her entire adult life in academia in one way or another, would be planning such an adventure?



 Erin wheeled the bike around the front of her house and mounted. At the corner, she paused and looked both ways. The long frontage road was dangerously narrow, with a cement wall on one side and a ditch on the other. Fortunately, traffic was normally light, and at this time of day the road lay empty. Erin pushed off, still grinning from her find. She rode on the right side, by the ditch, instead of facing traffic, because it was just too frightening to ride alongside the wall when a car passed.



She’d gone a block when she heard the hum of a car engine as it pulled out from a side street behind her. She rode along the very edge of the pavement, even though the car would have plenty of room to pass her without oncoming traffic.



Erin glanced over her shoulder. The black SUV 20 feet behind her hadn’t bothered to pull out into the road at all. Jerk. When would drivers learn to share the road with bicyclists? Erin pulled onto the two-foot wide gravel strip between the pavement and the ditch. She couldn’t stop without risking a skid, but she slowed so the SUV could pass.



The engine roared. Erin glanced back again.



Black metal bore down on her. Her heart lurched and the bike wobbled. This guy was crazy! She whipped her gaze forward, rose up in the seat, and pumped the pedals with all her power, skimming along inches from the ditch. He was just trying to scare her. She’d get his license plate and—



She felt the bumper hit her back tire. The bike seemed to leap into the air, and she went flying. The dried mud and weeds of the ditch seemed to rise up to meet her.

  

She didn’t even have time to scream.




Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In The Skeleton Canyon Treasure, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.



Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.







Instafreebie is quick and convenient for people to grab their favorite file type, and you can even set it up so it knows your preference. Feel free to grab a copy! Honest reviews are always appreciated.

Thanks for sharing your book and recipe,

Tina

Sunday, December 18, 2016

#Holiday #Recipe Easy Peach Cobbler and #Excerpt from @pat_preston




#Holiday #Recipe Easy Peach Cobbler



1 c. self-rising flour

1 c. milk

1 c. sugar

1 stick butter

1 can of sliced peaches (lite or heavy syrup)



Heat oven to 350 and melt butter in baking dish

Mix flour, sugar and milk together with whisk.

Pour this on top of melted butter in baking dish.

Open can of peaches and pour on top of mix.

(I use lite peaches and the cobble is always sweet enough.)

Put in oven and bake about 25 minutes or until top is

golden brown.







IT STARTED WITH A FLING...

Six years ago, ambitious med student Marla Grant gave into temptation with a gorgeous man. Now a busy doctor and a loving single mom, the past comes back to haunt her when she learns the powerful, persuasive man of her long-ago fling and the unsuspecting father of her child is

cutting off the charitable contributions to the community clinic where she works.

Billionaire Carson Blackwell has never forgotten bright, beautiful Marla. When he discovers that she runs the clinic his grandmother's foundation funds, it's the perfect chance to put an end to his ongoing infatuation and use his leverage to cement a new business deal. He needs a fake girlfriend for one week in Hawaii, and Marla is just the woman for the job. It's a win-win situation, until they realize the attraction between them isn't feigned, and the heat has never died down. Only the secrets they're both keeping stand in the way of a future together and a love that could last a lifetime.








Christmas Sale  99¢ !  Nov 27 to Dec 31.

Links:









Patricia Preston writes fun, spicy romantic novels with a feel-good atmosphere where love matters most. In her new contemporary series set in the fictional town of Lafayette Falls, Tennessee, romance creates havoc, heartache and humor for a cast of unsuspecting doctors until they realize love heals all. Besides contemporary romance, she also loves writing short comedies and historical romances set in New Orleans. Must haves in her writing cave include sweet tea and music. Besides writing, she loves bargain hunting, movies, taking country road trips, and anything containing chocolate. Her dream-come-true would be a townhouse in the French Quarter.



She welcomes readers to visit her at




Thanks for sharing your book and recipe with us,

Tina




Saturday, December 17, 2016

Love in Times of War: #NewRelease #HolidayRecipe #LuvNWar @jacqbiggar




 The Christmas season is my favorite time of year. An air of festivity takes hold as stores bring out their holiday decorations and old time favorites play on the television.


One of my favorite Christmas recipes came from my grandmother, Waldorf salad. Every year I'd look forward to seeing that fancy glass bowl filled with chopped up apples taking pride of the place on our dining room table. It was Grandma's donation to our holiday dinner.

We've kept the tradition going, even though she passed away a few years ago. Now, when I look upon that simple bowl of salad every year, I feel her presence among us and smile.




WALDORF SALAD


 


6 Spartan or Mac Apples

3 Stalks Celery

1 cup Chopped Walnuts

1 cup Mayo, 2 tbs. sugar, 4 tbs. milk whipped together



Use lemon juice or citric acid to whiten apples.

Peel and chop apples and celery into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with lemon juice. Add walnuts. Stir in dressing and refrigerate until use. Enjoy.

***

 


 


 Love in Times of War: boxed set romance bundle 


by Uvi Poznansky  (Author), Tamara Ferguson  (Author), Jacquie Biggar  (Author), D.G. Torrens  (Author), Angelica Kate (Author), Traci Hall  (Author), Jennifer St. Giles  (Author), Regina Puckett  (Author), Suzanne Jenkins  (Author), S.R. Mallery (Author), Susan Jean Ricci  (Author), PJ Fiala  (Author)



At no other point is passion put to the test as in dire times of war. From the American Civil War to WWII, from Vietnam to the War in Afghanistan to the Persian Gulf, the stories in this boxed set summon the strength of true lovers. Written by bestselling, award-winning, and USA Today authors, the novels and novellas in this collection tell of overcoming loss, injuries, and separation, to celebrate the victory of love.

If you like Military Romance, Wounded Warrior Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, or Romantic Suspense, this anthology invites you to triumph over the worst of conditions and find the courage to bring forth the best in us.

Buy Link: Amazon

Love In Times of War is up for pre-order at any of these fine venues:





Get your copy now! 

BOOK BITES - 12 award winning, best-selling authors give you some tidbits from their LOVE IN TIMES OF WAR boxed set!

Try a sample, take the whole assortment:

Book Bites: Love in Times of War

Kindle   Nook   Kobo   Smashwords





Excerpts from The Rebel’s Redemption by Jacquie Biggar:

 “Miss Campbell, guess what? Jake’s here. He was outside when we went to get Susan. How cool is that?”

“That’s pretty cool all right. How’d he get here? And where’s Chris?” She’d grabbed up a napkin to wipe the ice cream from her lips, when a voice out of the past lifted the hairs on the nape of her neck and sent a shiver down her spine.

“He’s here. With me.”

The smooth tones rolled over her, and sucked all the air out of the room. Annie stiffened, then crumpled the napkin and slowly turned in her seat—yep, it was Jared all right. And Chris.

Oh.

My.

God.

He looked good. The random thought floated through her mind even as she tried to digest the fact he was finally back. Eight years too late, but he was here. She wanted to grab Chris and run. Run before what was obvious to her became obvious to everyone else. Shit.

“Hello, Annie, it’s been a long time.” Why was he looking at her as if she’d betrayed him? She wasn’t the one to cut and run without a single word in all this time. Goddamn him.

“Jared. Yes, it has been. A very long time. There were no phones where you were? Your mother probably would’ve appreciated knowing whether you were dead or alive.” Not to mention herself. She’d promised herself she wasn’t going down this road, the blame road. It was time to leave.

She turned her back on him, looked into Jack’s concerned eyes, and forced herself to smile as if her heart wasn’t shattering into a million tiny pieces. “I better get back. Tina needs to take her break. Call me later?”

He gave her waist a warm squeeze, and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek before sliding free. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but for what it’s worth, I’ve got your back.”

Near tears, she stood from the table, and without looking at either man again, grabbed both children’s hands and hustled them out the door.





Annie’s heart tried to leap out of her chest, one hand muffling her scream, while the other clutched the now half-empty box. Why hadn’t she made sure she locked the door behind the delivery guy this morning? Of all the asinine, irresponsible things to do.

“I…I’m sorry, we’re closed right now. Can you ma…maybe come back later?”

Like never.

The stranger—she was pretty sure she’d never seen him before—stayed to the shadows, denying her a clear view of his features. He wore an old-fashioned bowler hat tipped forward over his eyes, and a black greatcoat, one hand tucked into the pocket. She was probably about to star in her own horror flick. Killed with her own merchandise. She could see the headlines already. Annie kept a nervous gaze on that pocket, her imagination going into overdrive.

When the silence threatened to explode in her head, he bent and picked up one of the carving knives she’d graciously sent his way. His thumb skimmed up and down the blade. She didn’t think she’d ever been so scared in her life.

“Please, I have no money. What do you want?”

That got a reaction. His hand stilled on the blade and piercing eyes looked up and pinned her in place. “Tell Martin I here. There is nowhere he can hide.” He threw the knife. Annie gasped and recoiled as the blade flew through the air and embedded itself obscenely in the heart of her sewing mannequin. “Tell him he must pay.” Without another word, he disappeared out the door, a dark wraith.

Annie sank to the floor in a boneless heap. Now that it was over her teeth chattered, and shivers racked her frame. Who was he? What did he want? She wanted to believe it was all a misunderstanding and he’d come to the wrong door, but in her heart she knew better.

This was about Jared.



***

Jared's world narrowed down to the little black barrel of the gun pointed at his chest. Funny, in all the years of being in the SEAL teams he'd never been in this situation. Not to say he hadn't dodged his share of bullets. It's just they'd always erupted like a hailstorm, out of nowhere. This was somewhere. The back alley of his mother's freaking café in freaking America to be exact. What the hell?

If he wasn't so pissed off at himself for getting into this situation, he might have laughed. Eight years overseas off and on, and he was going to get shot in his own backyard. How's that for ironic?

"Look man, why don't we talk about this?" Jared forced his gaze to focus on Sergei's steely gaze instead of the muzzle of the semi-automatic.

"The time for talk is past," the Russian said. "You ignored my advice and instead made a fool out of me with that stupid trick you performed."

"Advice? You call beating the livin' shit out of me, advice?" Jared ground his teeth together, and fought to keep a level tone. "You can't blame a guy for wanting to retaliate." A crash by the garbage caused both men to crouch into a fight stance. A tabby cat raced away. Jared straightened, his heart knocking against his ribcage, as desperate to escape this mess as the animal. He needed to defuse the situation before someone came upon them; please God not his mom.

"Okay, you're right. I shouldn't have set off alarms or caused those slots to pay out. But seriously dude, you can't go around acting all KGB, we're in the good old USA now." Jared kept a careful eye on the guy's trigger finger and cursed his loose tongue. What part of defuse couldn't he figure out?

Sergei tipped his felt hat back on his bald head like an old time gunslinger. His hand holding the gun never wavered. "You have big mouth."

Yeah, I've heard that a time or ten.

"Why don't we handle this like two adults? I'll call your boss, tell him I screwed up and it'll never happen again…" There was no doubt on that, if he ever went near a casino again he'd kick his own ass. "And then you can go back to ruling your little kingdom far, far, away."

Click.

The sound of the hammer cocking reverberated with frightening clarity in the small alley. There wasn't even anywhere for him to take cover. The garbage can was at least ten feet away. Jared's jaw cramped from the tension. His skin crawled as if overrun with fire ants. Where was his team when he needed them?

He'd just decided the only alternative was to rush the son-of-a-bitch when the alley erupted with the screams and laughter of children. Two kids rounded the corner at full speed on pedal bikes, racing each other to an imaginary finish line.

Sergei seized the opportunity, stepped between the bicycles and scooped the kids off their seats. The bikes, wheels still turning, fell to the ground in front of him creating a barrier. The kidsGod, it was Chris and little Jessicashrieked until Sergei shook them, then they froze, eyes wide and frightened, hanging under his arms like rag dolls.

"Let them go, you motherfu…" Jared's voice came out low and lethal. Every muscle in his body prepared itself for the moment of attack. His breathing slowed until he could count each heartbeat as the blood coursed through his veins. Waiting. Watching.

Barnikov laughed. Laughed. The prick.

"Now it my turn to play game." Jared made a slight move and Sergei's smile flat-lined. He dropped Jessica to the ground in front of him but kept his forearm wrapped around her neck. The gun nestled the side of her head pointed straight at Chris dangling from his other arm. "Move and I shoot." He shuffled the trio back towards the mouth of the alley. "We'll talk again, my friend."

And then he disappeared around the corner, leaving nothing but the slowly turning tire on a bike, and Jared's heart as it shattered.





Bio:

JACQUIE BIGGAR  is a USA Today bestselling author of Romantic Suspense who loves to write about tough, alpha males who know what they want, that is until they're gob-smacked by heroines who are strong, contemporary women willing to show them what they really need is love. She is the author of the popular Wounded Hearts series and has just started a new series in paranormal suspense, Mended Souls.

She has been blessed with a long, happy marriage and enjoys writing romance novels that end with happily-ever-afters.

Jacquie lives in paradise along the west coast of Canada with her family and loves reading, writing, and flower gardening. She swears she can't function without coffee, preferably at the beach with her sweetheart. :)

Free reads, excerpts, author news, and contests can be found on her web site:



Or email her via her web site. Jacquie lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!

You can also join her street team on Facebook: Biggar's Book Buddies

And sign up for her newsletter-


Thanks for sharing,

Tina