#Excerpt: RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY by Reese Ryan

Return to Hummingbird Way
Reese Ryan
Publication date: April 25th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

In this heartwarming small‑town romance, can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finally make two high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?

Ambitious real estate agent Sinclair Buchanan is ecstatic to be her best friend’s maid-of-honor—until she discovers the best man is Garrett Davenport. Sin and Rett’s mutual hate crush ignited when they were teens and hasn’t let up since . . . except for that one extremely hot (and extremely regrettable) night they shared five years ago.

Nothing gets Rett fired up like going toe-to-toe with Sinclair. She’s as infuriatingly stubborn and as absolutely gorgeous as when he fell for her back in high school. Working together to plan their best friends’ last-minute wedding is one thing, but when his matchmaking grandmother gets involved, Rett knows he’s in deep. Attraction has always simmered between them, but this time, they’re both in danger of losing their hearts.

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EXCERPT:

“Garrett Davenport, how very nice of you to finally show up.” Sinclair sashayed toward him, clutching a clear clipboard decorated with a colorful floral design.

Sinclair assessed him with disdain, flecks of green and gold dancing in those large hazel eyes he’d been mesmerized by from the first moment he’d laid eyes on them in high school. She pursed her glossy pink lips, her nostrils flaring, and planted a fist on one curvy hip.

The bossy little she-devil was infuriating, attitudish, and fucking gorgeous. And she damn well knew it.

Her floral, sleeveless dress showed off her toned arms and sculpted shoulders—a feature he’d never noticed on a woman before, let alone been attracted to. The hem of the flirty little skirt grazed her midthigh, accentuating her tawny brown skin, a shade that landed smack between her father’s dark brown skin and her mother’s olive skin tone.

Sinclair flipped her hair, a deep, rich brown highlighted with ribbons of honey blond, over one shoulder and ran her manicured nails through the waterfall of shoulder-length waves. Her gaze bore into him, and if looks could kill, he’d be lying on the floor stone cold.

“You do realize you’re an hour late to your own best friend’s engagement party.” She leaned into him, speaking in a harsh whisper that only he could hear. “You sure you gon’ be able to show up for the wedding on time?”

Her nasally voice reminded him of Whitley Gilbert’s from A Different World. And just a few minutes into the conversation, she’d already intimated that he was an unreliable slacker. Rett clenched his jaw. Yet, as annoyed as he was, he couldn’t help noticing how hot Sin looked tonight.

“Sorry I’m late,” Rett finally managed. He shoved his hands, balled into fists, into his pockets. “Something came up.”

Sinclair’s gaze dropped to the placket in front of his zipper momentarily. Her eyes widened and her cheeks and forehead flushed. She quickly returned her attention to the clipboard.

Maybe he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t forget their previous encounter.

“It’s always some excuse with you, Rett.” Sinclair wrapped her arms around the clipboard, clutching it to her chest. Her eyes didn’t quite meet his.

Was she clutching the clipboard because he made her nervous? Or was she shielding her body’s reaction after shamelessly ogling him two minutes into their conversation?

It didn’t matter. Because Sinclair Buchanan was as irritating now as she’d been when they’d been forced to hang out together while Dexter and Dakota had dated in high school. She seemed to hate him on sight back then. But he hadn’t helped matters when he’d tried to talk his cousin out of getting serious with Sin’s best friend.

When Dex had suddenly ended things with Dakota the Christmas after he’d left for college, Sinclair had confronted Rett outside his grandmother’s house. She’d been as mad as a hornet and had cussed him out six ways to Sunday—sure he’d been behind the breakup.

He hadn’t been. But he hadn’t bothered telling her so. Besides, as distraught as she’d been, he’d doubted Sinclair would’ve believed a single word he’d said.

Since Dexter and Dakota’s reconciliation, Sinclair must surely have learned the truth: he had nothing to do with Dexter and Dakota’s breakup back then. In fact, he’d been as shocked by it as anyone. But evidently, it didn’t matter, because Sinclair clearly still wasn’t a fan. Though she certainly had been that night in his hotel room, given the enthusiasm with which she’d called his name and the marks she’d left on his back.

“It’s not an excuse, Sin. I planned to be here on time, but I was sidetracked by—”

“Didn’t think you were going to make it.” Dexter approached, holding Dakota’s hand. The two of them looked ridiculously happy, and Rett felt a slight twinge of envy.

“And miss your engagement party?” Rett slapped palms and clasped hands with Dex. “No way, cuz. Been waiting half my life to see you finally tie the knot with this beautiful lady.” He turned toward his cousin’s soon-to-be better half. “Congrats, Dakota.”

“Thank you, Rett.” Dakota’s grin lit her brown eyes. She gave him a big hug. “And for the record, I knew you’d be here tonight. It was these two who were sweating it.” She gestured toward Dex and Sinclair, then glanced around the room. “Mama Mae didn’t come with you?”

“She’s sick and didn’t much appreciate me fussing over her,” Rett said.

“But you did anyway.” Dakota smiled. “The relationship you two have is adorable.”

“’Cause Mama Mae is the only woman who can get him to behave,” Sinclair muttered as she scanned her clipboard. When they all turned to look at her, Sin looked up and shrugged. “What? You know it’s true.”

“Be nice, Sin.” Dakota pointed a finger at her best friend. “You promised you two would get along.”

“Fine.” She flashed Rett a dead-eyed smile and turned up the Whitley Gilbert singsong southern belle voice. “We are so very glad that you could join us this evening, Garrett. I was just about to ask the staff to take the food away. So please make yourself a plate.” She batted her long, thick eyelashes. “In fact, why don’t I escort you to the buffet?”

Dexter and Dakota snickered, and Rett couldn’t help chuckling to himself.

That was as warm a greeting as he could expect from the former beauty queen, who now employed that same charm in her job as one of the island’s top real estate agents. Evidently, she reserved that charm for people not named Rett Davenport.

Sinclair turned and walked toward the buffet, indicating that he should come with. He did, captivated by the subtle sway of her hips as he followed in the wake of her soft, delicate scent. All of it taking him back to that night they’d shared in Raleigh five years ago.

Yes, he’d been an immature jerk to Sinclair in high school. She clearly still held a grudge and had no intentions of letting him forget it. Despite the night they’d shared.

Fine. Because he wasn’t here for Sinclair. He was here for Dexter and Dakota. For them, he’d tolerate Ms. Thing. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t have a little fun with her.

Author Bio:

Reese Ryan writes sexy, deeply emotional romances with family drama, surprising secrets, and unexpected twists.

Past president of her local Romance Writers of America chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate for the romance genre and diversity in fiction.

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#Review: HOW NOT TO MARRY A DUKE by Tina Gabrielle

 

 4 of 5 stars

The first time Daniel Millstone, the Duke of Warwick, met Adeline Foster, he was attacked by her pet pig Henry. Not the best start to meeting one's neighbor, especially when he just wanted to get the woman's dogs to stop barking so he could continue his work in peace on his steam engine project. Adeline Foster had not met a more arrogant man than the Duke of Warwick. Doesn't he know that "Henry" was just trying to be friendly? Adeline had moved to the country and was just trying to make a life for herself as a healer in the village away from her controlling brother Edwin. When her brother tracks her down and demands that she marry a money-lender he owes money to, Warwick happens to be there and unexpectantly blurts out that she cannot marry that man because he's courting Adeline himself. Adeline is shocked at the duke's pronouncement but realizes a fake betrothal is just what she needs to keep her brother from forcing her to marry. Now, she just has to tolerate Warwick long enough to make everyone believe they're in love, but what happens if her heart wants the betrothal to be real?

This was a quick, easy read with likable characters. Warwick is an elusive duke who has shunned society because he's too busy being an inventor and working to improve other inventions. That was different, and it made me wonder why a duke had an interest in trade. As the author slowly teases out Warwick's back story, there's a connection between Warwick and Edwin, which makes the story more intriguing. Having Adeline with Egyptian heritage was enjoyable, especially since the author lets her heritage shine through the book in a number of different customs, foods and healing knowledge she had learned from her mother. The plot moves along at a good pace, although I did expect something more dramatic to happen at the end with the moneylender and Edwin. The whole issue kind of went away without much fanfare, which was a lost opportunity, in my opinion. There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, so readers beware. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: A ROGUE'S RULES FOR SEDUCTION by Eva Leigh

4 of 5 stars

After Dominic Kilburn jilted Lady Willa Ransom at the altar a year ago, they both end up at a house party on a remote Scottish island with no way to leave until the supply boat returns in three weeks. Willa is determined to punish Dom for his actions by any means possible, even if it means berating him or totally ignoring him while at the party. Dom hates himself for hurting Willa, and he's apologized numerous times, but she won't accept it. Can these two fractured souls ever learn to forgive and relish in a love that knows no bounds?

I've been waiting for this book, and it was well worth it. I loved Willa. She was such a strong character storming her way through life like a bull in a china shop and relishing shocking the ton with her antics, but no one really sees the "real" Willa, no one except Dom. It's a heady revelation for her, especially when she finally slows down long enough to listen to what he has to say. Dom is the perfect tortured hero, and he loathes himself for the hurt he caused Willa by leaving her. Due to a fierce storm, the two end up in a remote cabin together. It's where many truths come to light, and their path to HEA is a bit rocky, but they get there on their own terms. FYI, readers should be warned that there are very graphic sex and bondage scenes in the book.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

 

#Review: DEFYING THE EARL by Erica Ridley

 

 5 of 5 stars

Titus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, despises the ton and only leaves his townhouse for his duties in Parliament. He follows the rules to the letter, and his schedule remains exactly the same every day, just the way he likes it. When his aunt dumps a young woman, Matilda Dodd, off and announces that Titus is now her guardian, at least for the next 3 weeks until she reaches her majority and becomes an heiress. Matilda is fascinated with the stoic earl, and not even his facial scars dampen the respect and admiration she feels for him. At every turn, Titus pushes her away, but Matilda only grows fonder of him. How can he marry off his ward when his heart cries out to keep her for himself?

This was a delightful story of two damaged people who lost loved ones in the most horrific ways. I loved Matilda. She is a breath of fresh air as well as kind to everyone, even to this Season's diamond, who goes out of her way to insult Matilda for her humble background. Titus breaks his rigid schedule to help launch Matilda into Society, and she appreciates it so much, especially because she knows Titus is uncomfortable out in public. Titus's story is tragic, and he's been blaming himself for his family's carriage accident. That Matilda can pierce his armor and get him to smile was such a success. It takes most of the book before Titus realizes he's the one who has been holding himself so rigid and aloof from everyone. Even though he glares at everyone throughout the book, when it comes to Matilda, he does everything in his power to make her smile. That was such a wonderful quality. I loved that these two finally got their HEA! I'm looking forward to reading more stories in this series. They are delightful reads!

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: SHE, YOU, I by Sally Keeble

She, You, I
Sally Keeble
Publication date: January 11th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary

An emotional page-turner of a story about a family torn apart by the legacy of war that asks the question: what happens to the hurt we can’t forget?
When Skye Stanhope returns to her grandmother’s childhood home, she’s searching for the roots of her life story. Why her tough-minded granny ran away to war. And why her brilliant mother died.

Behind the women’s successes, lies deep trauma. As Skye strips away the layers of secrecy, she confronts their inner torments: forces that bound the women together, but also tore them apart. It’s a journey from a poverty-stricken tenement block to an airbase in wartime Suffolk, through boom-time London to a coffee cart beside the sea.

Woven into the women’s lives is Tseng Hsiao Ling, a feisty, enigmatic seamstress whose fortunes become inextricably linked with theirs.

It’s a sweeping tale of love, war and family secrets over three generations.

Through each woman’s story, “She, You, I” holds up a mirror to the complexity of family relationships: mothers, sisters, daughters, and the unexpected twists in Skye’s search for closure.

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Excerpt:

“I” 

Skye’s Story

Our pitch is in a layby down a bank beside a river, near a south coast town. Morning sunlight steals across the water into the clearing where we park our SUV. Kit Ying unhitches the trailer. The grass is still bouncy with dawn dew. Birds sing into emptiness. The air here has a purity that makes you think that because you can see and hear and smell things more clearly, you can understand them better too. Kit Ying says it’s our ground zero. But that doesn’t work, I tell him. That would be an ending. Not an ending, a nothingness, he says. A place to start again.

‘Coffee, tea, tray-bakes,’ I chalk onto the display board we put out on the roadside. I draw floaty stars and underneath Kit Ying writes, ‘Special—pork buns’ and draws some fancy Chinese characters.

“What does that say?”

“That they’re authentic.”

It was hard explaining to Aunt Julia about the coffee cart.

Author Bio:

Sally writes novels about the things she’s passionate about—the triumphs and tragedies of people’s lives, their families and life stories.

It’s what originally took her into journalism and then politics, in the UK and beyond. She spent her early years in the USA, Switzerland and Australia, returning to the UK after working as a journalist in South Africa. After serving as an MP, she worked in international development and travelled widely, especially in Africa and South Asia.

“She, You, I” is her first novel. She’s written nonfiction previously. Sally splits her time between Northampton and Bawdsey, a village in coastal Suffolk.

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Interview with Riu Zhong, PRINCE OF BLUE FLOWERS

What are four things you can’t live without?

My journal and a fountain pen; I might count them as one, as they always come together. Handwriting is something that gives me so much joy and energy that I’d choose it over anything else. They win over everything by a large measure.

Running shoes and a training watch; running is my preferred meditation device next to sitting (for which nothing is needed).

Those were no-brainers. Given the opportunity to choose a couple more, I’d be struggling to choose from many, none of which is really that important. So, there’s that. These four things: a journal, a fountain pen, running shoes, and a training watch.

What is your favorite television show?

‘The Office,’ the American adaptation. It’s a perfect satire of the hierarchy of the office space, and while businesses went paperless, their nature hasn’t changed. If anything, the archetypes presented in the series are more expressed in the new, digital office space of corporations.

If there’s a reason you haven’t seen the show yet (it’s quite old), toss that reason into the bin. Sorry, to the waste basket.

If you could be any character from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Why?

Why, Sun Wukong, of course! He’s one of my favorite tricksters, and the new release, ‘Prince of Blue Flowers,’ is a tribute to his adventures. He’s always full of energy, pathos, and confidence; he gets himself into trouble and has friends to help him get out of it. He has a monkey tail, after all. Imagine having a fifth hand; how would you like that? Even a third hand would come in handy often, I reckon.

What have you got coming soon for us to look out for?

If you like the story of ‘Prince of Blue Flowers,’ I have good news for you: the second installment of the series is on its way. It’ll hit the stores at the end of spring.

If you are more of a science-fiction fan—like myself—you’ll have to wait until autumn, when I expect the first of my science-fiction novels to be adapted into English. It’s a cyber-punk-themed detective comedy story of two partners: a self-consumed teenager and a manipulative ex-policeman. They hunt criminals in the future New York and for demons hiding inside them. It’s no surprise the novel is called ‘The Demons Within.’ 

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

As one might rightfully guess, one of those is Wu Cheng’en, to whom ‘Journey to the West’ or ‘Adventures of the Monkey King’ is attributed. You’ll find a lot of references to this gem in the ‘Prince of Blue Flowers.’

From the Western world, I’d highlight Robert Asprin with his majestic ‘Myth Adventures’ series and Larry Niven with his ‘End of Magic.’ The former’s sense of humor can only be compared with Pratchett’s; the latter’s Clarkian view on laws of magic helped my world-building not once, not several, but many times.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

‘Ryū’ means ‘dragon’ in Japanese, and ‘Zhong’ can be translated from Chinese as ‘flute’. This amalgam of languages represents the fusion of cultures that characterises the writings of Ryū Zhong.

 

In their books, Ryū Zhong explore challenges that humanity might face as our technology gets more and more complicated to the level where it becomes magic. Such a shift would force people to look towards religion and reinterpret realities that today, we call fairy tales.

 

Ryū Zhong were lucky to be born and grow in Asia. Now they live in Amsterdam, study Dutch, and adapt their writings to English.

 

Links

https://anno-ruini.com — website for the book series

https://ryu.anno-ruini.com — Ryu’s personal blog

https://www.instagram.com/anno.ruini/— Instagram

https://twitter.com/anno_ruini— Twitter

 

Book in the Stores

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Blue-Flowers-Adventures-Takuan/dp/B0BRC7BGB4/

 

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=L4unEAAAQBAJ&pli=1

 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prince-of-blue-flowers-ryu-zhong/1143052777

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#SALE .99 N.N. Light Book Heaven Bookish Event: THE SURPRISING WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth

 

BLURB:

 

Edward Tyndale, brother to the Earl of Barrett, has sworn off marriage. His disastrous first marriage ended in tragedy, and he's determined not to put his heart at risk again.

American artist Jade Stanfield traveled to Barrett Castle to attend her brother's wedding and fell in love with the estate. When the Earl offers her a chance to teach in the art internship program he sponsors, she readily accepts. It's been her dream for as long as she can remember to become an art teacher. Her joy is marred by the caustic remarks by Edward, but she's determined to ignore the tall, dark and handsome brother. Can they peacefully co-exist, or will their growing attraction upset the stoic Edward into taking another chance on love? 

 

Amazon buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091FQGDLD

Giveaway Info –

 

Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card:

 

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750214

 

Open Internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to win.

Runs April 11 – April 18, 2023.

Winner will be drawn on April 19, 2023.

 

#Review: THE PROBLEM PRINCESS by Anna Harrington

 

 

5 of 5 stars

There was a lot happening in this book, and Ms. Harrington does an excellent job of not overwhelming the reader with too much information at the beginning. Throughout the previous books in this series, an ongoing Scepter conspiracy is teased in them. In this book, General Clayton Elliott, Home Office Undersecretary, and new viscount, is charged with protecting Princess Cordelia of Monrovia while she's on English soil for a royal visit and possible marriage to one of the royal dukes. The only problem is Cordelia does not want to marry one of the royal dukes, and she finds herself drawn more and more to the handsome soldier and war hero who has sworn to protect her. 

The book has numerous twists and turns incorporating some real events as the princess is attacked. There are evil machinations, all trying to cause as much chaos as possible with the royal visit, along with a healthy dose of intrigue and suspense in trying to uncover Scepter's identity. Along the way, Clayton and Cordelia's relationship grows into something more than either of them could imagine while trying to evade those who want Cordelia dead. Knowing they can only rely on each other, Clayton reluctantly realizes he must keep his heart in check, but how will he ever be able to let go of the woman he loves?

This was an excellent conclusion to a fun and engaging series. I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: THE CIRCLE IS SMALL by Maggie Blackbird

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maggie Blackbird will be awarding a $10.00 eXtasy Books Gift Certificate to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

An ex-cop returning to face his horrendous past, the woman who won’t forgive him, and the family who’ll never let him forget that he killed their son.

First Nations Constable Jordan Chartrand’s guilt can’t handle the accusing stares from the family left to mourn their son after that horrible night…so he flees from his Ojibway community and the woman he loves. Two years later, his mother’s cancer diagnosis forces him to return to help her.

Devoted schoolteacher Ellie Quill wants nothing to do with Jordan after he bolted to the city and left her behind. Her life goals are set. As for her secret, she’ll keep that to herself, even if Jordan’s begging to know the truth about her child.

When the two are compelled to work on a community project to address the rampant drug problem, their forced proximity slowly melts Ellie’s icy walls. But no matter how much her heart desires to give Jordan the second chance he’s begging for, she refuses to because providing a life for her son in the tradition of the Ojibway culture is her top priority now, not moving to the city where Jordan continues to hide.

Excerpt:

The bell tinkled above the door. Ellie, still hedging her way instead of outright walking, inched her way to the table. She set her purse on the back of the chair.

“I ordered a pot of tea. You wanna share?”

“Sounds good. What kind? The last time we met, the caffeine kept me up too late.”

“Good ol’ spruce. Your fave.” His face grew hot. Maybe he shouldn’t bring up reminders of the past.

The way her skin shone said she was flattered he’d remembered.

He gave himself a fictitious pat on the back for earning a point. “And fresh honey.”

Her smile was on the coy side. “Really? You’re going all out, aren’t you?”

Hmm, she was getting comfy and grinning. Her elbow rested on the table, and she’d cupped her chin in her palm. He also leaned in and caught a whiff of her fresh scent.

The waitress sauntered over with their pot of tea and honey. She set down the items and sashayed away, smirking.

Ellie’s brows bunched.

Jordan was about ready to arrest the waitress and cart her off to the holding cell for inciting irritation. Now he had to calm Ellie down before she found an excuse and bolted. “Never mind her. You know how people are around the rez. You can’t do anything without them squawking about it.”

He poured their teas.

Ellie continued to frown in the waitress’ direction.

“You gonna give her the power to dictate your feelings?”

“What?” Ellie squinted and faced him.

“You were having a good time. You gonna let her ruin it for you?”

“You’re right.” Ellie fixed her tea. “It’s been too long since I last went out.”

“That’s the spirit.” Jordan lifted his mug and sipped. The spruce mixed with honey was sweet pleasure on his tongue.

“Tell me something…” Ellie peeked at him over the rim of her mug.

“What’d you wanna know? I’m an open book.” He couldn’t help setting his forearm on the table.

“Winnipeg.”

His spine stiffened. “Winnipeg?”

Ellie nodded. “How’s your life going there?”

The sincerity in her gaze said she wasn’t attempting to goad him but sincerely wanted to know. It’d be a helluva lot better if you and your child were with me. Instead, he said, “It took some getting used to, but I don’t mind it. The pay could be better.”

“Where are you living?”

“North end. I got a bachelor suite. It came furnished.”

“You’re working at Portage Place. Right?”

“Yep. When I got the job, I wanted to be close by. Not stuck in some crazy commute. The north end also has a lot of ’Nish, so I feel right at home,” he told her, using the familiar shortened slang for Anishinaabe.

“Are you making lots of friends there?” She blew on her tea.

“Yeah. I made a few at work and met lots through the patrol group.”

Her lips parted, and then she clamped her mouth shut.

He’d best let her know he wasn’t dating anyone or hadn’t dated anyone. “I go home to a cold beer and TV dinner once I’m done my shift. That’s been my life for the last two years.”

“Oh?” Her gaze searched his face.

He didn’t look away. The offer was on the table. They’d come to the point where they had to shit or get off the pot. And he wasn’t getting off the toilet quite yet. “I told you why I had to leave.” He lowered his voice and leaned in even closer. “I couldn’t stay here after what happened. Leaving you behind… D’you really think I’d start dating again? After a girl like you?”

The lush bronze color on her face slowly turned white.

“When you came back after getting your teaching degree, and I saw li’l Ellie all grown up, damned straight I went and talked to your class. After our first date, I knew then you were the only woman for me.” His cards were laid on the table. Now he’d find out if she’d play a game of poker with him or forfeit her hand.

About the Author:

An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.

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#Excerpt: COLD SLEEP by Luke Hindmarsh

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

It’s the perfect score—stealing valuable data from a VIP in cryo-freeze midway through a decades-long interstellar crossing. If it works, Kara will have enough money to buy what she’s always wanted—a Captaincy.

But with the rest of the crew and the cargo of one hundred thousand colonists still frozen, Kara and her accomplice, Zed, realize they’re not the only ones awake. The murdered woman they find is only the first victim of whoever or whatever has woken from Cold Sleep.

Excerpt:

Blood streaks the VIP casket’s pristine white ceramic shell. Crimson handprints mark the controls and edges of the casket’s lid. Bright red spray mars the shining surface of the nearest casket and trickles down across its viewport. The deckplate’s smeared here and there, but the marks aren’t clear enough to make out any footprints.

“No one else in here,” Zed says.

While I’ve been gawping at the corpse, he’s secured the room.

There’s more to him than being a reliable bit of rough. It’s become too easy to dismiss him—the man is capable enough.

“I don’t understand. How could one of the passengers get out of storage?” I ask.

“Look at the casket,” Zed says. “Why’s it still registering an occupant?”

Being careful not to step in any blood, I get closer to her. What strikes me is the way the arcs of blood paint the VIP bay looks like something out of an anti-Ares Cult propaganda piece. The sacrifice of innocent beauty to sate the spirit of Mars. Kind of thing we’d only caught rumors of my first time shipping out. Then the newsfeeds had become more and more clogged with hysteria with every return to Earth. That and the usual.

War. War threatening everywhere.

Makes me think of my brother and hope he isn’t—wait, decades have passed—wasn’t on the frontline.

I drag my mind back from the futureshock and my eyes from the corpse. Getting lost in the past is a sure-fire way to get killed in the here and now.

About the Author:

A Brit now living in the Scandinavian wilds of Denmark with his wife and half-Viking kids, Luke worked as a Criminal Barrister in and around London for over a decade dealing with everything from minor theft cases to a real life axe murder and everything in between. Thanks to parents in the military he grew up being dragged around the world--while living in the Far East he picked up a love for the martial arts which continues to this day, as he passes on what he’s learned to a select dojo of students. Cold Sleep is his third novel. His first was Amazon cyberpunk bestseller Mercury’s Son, his second a UK set supernatural suspense novel 3:33 AM.

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#Review: ROMANCING THE HEIRESS by Darcy Burke

 

3 of 5 stars

Phineas Radford is in dire straits trying to keep his botanical gardens in tip-top shape for the Marrywell Matchmaking Festival. Problem is, his father left the estate deeply in debt, and Phin has been trying to economize so that he could keep up with the garden's maintenance, but he was failing badly. His only option was to marry an heiress. Miss Leah Webster left her unhappy childhood Marrywell 7 years ago to become a companion for a baron's wife. Now she's back in Marrywell as a new companion for a young woman looking to marry. She never forgot her dearest friend Phin and the one she's loved for as long as she could remember. When he begins to show interest in Genevieve, Leah's heart breaks all over again. How can she endure watching the man she loves marry another?

This was a sweet story with a slow-burn romance. I didn't find Phin to be very *swoon-worthy*, but more just accepting of his fate. Once he realizes he loves Leah, he does step up, but it is near the end of the book and almost too late. Of course, I knew that Mrs. Selkirk was the villain in the story and pretty much had figured out what she had done. Leah was much more likable, and I'm glad she blossomed even more once she and Phin talked about everything and she shared her ideas for making the gardens profitable. I love this series and am looking forward to reading the next book.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.