Cover Reveal -- Hawk Elite Security

Cover Reveal

Thank you to Elaina Lee at For The Muse Designs. Once again, you have brought my stories to life with a visual depiction that truly is worth a thousand words.... <3 

Strike Back, Nathan and Stacy Hawkins, book 1--a story of revenge, past regrets, and uncertain futures.

Betrayed, Tancredo Byrnes and Elizabeth Witney, book 2--a bodyguard story: trust, acceptance, and finding love amidst dire circumstances.

STAY TUNED THROUGH THIS SUMMER FOR MORE NEWS ABOUT THESE BOOKS AND THIS SERIES.

Hard Silence -- Release and Review -- #BEP

✰✰RELEASE BLITZ✰✰
Hard Silence by Mia Kay #ReleaseBlitz @bookenthupromo
Genre: April 25, 2016
Release Date: Romantic Suspense
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

 

FBI profiler Jeff Crandall returned to Fiddler, Idaho, to work on new Bureau protocols in peace…and because he hasn't been able to stop thinking about Abby Quinn. Kind, beautiful and quietly sexy, the petite rancher next door is loved by the entire town but keeps fiercely to herself. She's a mystery that doesn't want to be solved, though he's desperate to try.

Whether that interest is professional or personal is a question he'll sort out later.

Abby knows sharing her secrets would bring death and destruction to Fiddler. She survived her childhood, barely, but a long list of stepfathers weren't nearly so lucky: their bodies are buried across the country, waiting to be discovered. The best protection is silence, anonymity and isolation, though the handsome agent next door seems hell-bent on destroying all three.

And he just keeps kissing her…

When Jeff is called in to investigate an interstate serial killer case spanning two decades, Abby knows it's only a matter of time before he connects the dots, sees her for who she really is and walks away. But it's when he's standing in the crosshairs of Abby's past that Jeff faces his biggest challenge yet: how to give the woman he loves the life she doesn't believe she deserves.

You know that book where you enjoy the characters, the plot is solid, but it sorta rings familiar? You've read that book, haven't you? Well, THIS. IS. NOT. THAT. BOOK!

I picked up Hard Silence from Book Enthusiast for two reasons. One, I have a manuscript with Carina Press, so I considered the fact that it would be good to read something from the publisher. [ha! don't judge me] But, I've been looking for something romantic suspense--desperately looking to add to my Must-Have-It author list.

And from the first line: Body Found In Well. No, not that one... go back even more. To my mother. This book is not about her... Yes! That one! :D What a great start to a story about family, secrets, lies, and healing.

I think I really like Mia Kay! Her sense of humor must be a boon to her entire family. 

But, back to the book. 

The characters. I have never met the heroine, Abby Quinn, before Hard Silence. She was flawed, weak, determined, strong, beautiful... How can a person be weak and strong? Read the book and find out. Her smarts often inhibited her heart, and I loved seeing her overcome that. The thing I loved about Jeff was that he was a gorgeous [of course], slightly world-weary, laidback guy. He didn't kill me with an Alpha personality [although, every man has alpha tendencies, and you never want to miss them, especially when their protective instincts are awoken]. Mostly, I loved seeing him wake up [literally], step out onto his front porch in his jeans, his scruffy, messed up head of hair, and his bare feet with a mug of coffee in his hand. 

The plot. The twists and turns in this story kept me reading this book to the end... like 0100 and finally, I was able to toss my phone to the nightstand, close my eyes, and drop into a happy sleep. Serial killers, revenge,...and secrets. I can't say more. You must get the book and see what I am talking about.

You will love the town of Fiddler, the people who took Abby in and brought life to her messed up, sad, sad world. 

This book made me happy inside. I know if I took more time, I could probably think of something to critique, something that I would have done differently...but why? I was, am, and always will be, first, a reader. And I loved this book. I will definitely be going back to buy the first book. And I will buy any more of her books that come out, as well. Thank you Mia, for giving life to a great story.

 

Mia Kay spent years writing legal documents and keeping people out of trouble. Now she spends her days looking for ways to get her characters into trouble. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, who doesn’t mind discussing (and sometimes causing) mayhem over breakfast. 

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Amanda Heger -- Without Borders -- Tasty Book Tours

Without Borders
A Wanderlove Novel
By: Amanda Heger
Releasing April 19, 2016  
Diversion Books

For Annie London, a month in a Central American rainforest means handing out mosquito nets, giving medical aid, and teaching children about the birds and the bees. With any luck, it will also land her application in the “accepted” pile at a top tier medical school. But as soon as she steps off the plane, Annie realizes her bug spray, feeble Spanish, and medical supplies won’t help her deal with her new feelings for Felipe—her best friend's older brother, who's much hotter than she remembers, and who also happens to be the doctor in charge of the trip.
 
Gawking “volun-tourists” may keep his family’s medical clinic afloat, but Dr. Felipe Gutierrez doesn’t have to like them. Or the way they make snap judgments about his practice and the people he cares for. But when his old crush, Annie, shows up to volunteer, her killer curves and kind smile fan the embers of a flame Felipe didn’t realize he’d been carrying. A flame that makes him question all his preconceived notions.
 
As ideas and cultures clash, Annie and Felipe must decide how far outside their comfort zones they are willing to go—both for their work and for one another.

Beth: Welcome, Amanda! Thank you for joining my blog today. Even though, we think no one wants to know... I have to know. Knowing inspires me, so--

1. Who inspires your stories? 

Amy Poehler. Tina Belcher. My friends. The guy at the bus stop. All those butts I saw last week at Thunder from Down Under. 

Basically, everyone everywhere. People watching is one of my favorite past times, and there are so many stories to be found in everyday life. I sometimes fear that I have more story ideas than I’ll ever be able to write.

Beth: "All those butts I saw last week..." Yes. Thank you. Inspiration is everywhere. I love that your story is set in Central America. Though I've never been, reading takes me there! I think all readers are like that. So, tell me--

2. While writing Without Borders, what was the most fun discovery you made about Central America?

Some of the most fun discoveries I made about Nicaragua came from my time living there. It is legitimately gorgeous, the music is fabulous, and the rum is amazing. (Bonus discovery: armadillo isn’t a bad dinner option.)

But while writing the story I discovered how much I wanted to go back. I would love to spend a few nights staring up at the stars, eating gallo pinto, and listening to the rustle of monkeys in the trees above. 

Beth: I'm looking at snow out my window, in April!! So, I totally get that. I would love to be somewhere warm, looking up at the stars. Sounds like a scene I could fit in a book... speaking of scenes--

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Without Borders? Why?

There’s a scene where Annie has to reset a patient’s dislocated shoulder. I watched seventeen million YouTube videos of people getting their shoulders reset to make it as realistic as I could. And it was amazing. Amazingly horrifying. 

By the second or third video I had have an alcoholic beverage to keep from jumping out of my skin. And by the time I actually got around to writing the scene, I’m pretty sure my blood alcohol content was sky high. (Shhh. Don’t tell my editor.)

Good thing I didn’t become a doctor.

Beth: I may need to go back and reread that scene now... ;)

3. Whose story are you working on next? Will we see Annie and Felipe again in the series?

Marisol’s story, Semi-Scripted, is out next. And honestly, I couldn’t be more excited about this one. 

When the book picks up, we find Mari in L.A., chasing a grant that she desperately needs to save her family’s medical clinic. But when her appearance on a late night talk show goes viral, she has to balance her sudden fame with work obligations. Not to mention a blossoming romance with one of the show’s interns. 

Annie and Felipe do make an appearance or two, so you’ll get to catch up with them as well!

Beth: Wonderful! I love when books are connected by the characters. It's a huge bonus to see people again, make sure they're okay. <3 Speaking of okay and happy--

5. What do you do when you're not writing?

I do a lot of the usual stuff: work, pet my dogs, read books. 

But I also do some of the less-usual stuff: wear colorful socks, quote entire episodes of Veronica Mars, take improv classes.

Variety is the spice of life and all that.

Beth: It's such a great pleasure to dig into the mind of a writer [even a little!], and I'm grateful for Amanda's willingness to answer my questions. Do NOT miss her book, Without Borders... [and then the next one, as well, cuz...dude! Books!] And get in on the Rafflecopter, as well. #giveaways are #fun!!

Being a Reader and a Writer

Because I finished the most amazing book last night...the wee hours of the morning, truth be told. I woke up with my mind, clamoring for a way to describe what I was feeling... and the bottom line?

Being a Reader and a Writer is like being married... [watch the comparisons. I swear, you'll see your writing career in here somewhere]

Seventeen years ago, I married a good-looking, bad boy. Well, he acted like the bad boy--smoked, played cards, drank. But he was...good-looking [have I said that already?], and inside, he was a good guy--even went to church on Sundays. <3 I was so in love...

And we got married. [This is the part where I'm a reader. Looove reading. Can't stop reading. Reading, all night long!]

As happens when you're married [such a good reader], we had kids [I decided to write].

You worry and doubt that you can even raise any kids!! This was a huge deal. What if you let everyone down? What if your kids turned out to be snotty, brats! Or worse, criminals?

But you love those kids so much. They're so danged cute. You don't admit it yet, but there's been a shift. Now it seems like you're spending a lot more time with the kids than with that good-looking guy you married. But it's not bad, because you're on the same page...[speaking of page. This is where I suddenly realize instead of 16 books a month, I'm only doing about 5 books. But the call of that manuscript is strong--and still lovey enough to hold my attention.]

As the kids grow, they begin to demand from you--time, money, ideas. All of a sudden you wake up one morning, and you wonder WTF happened to Us before Them? And you prioritize. You make sure that date money doesn't disappear. And you actually schedule time to be with the good-looking guy you married. [2 years ago, it occurred to me I was reading about 5 books--A. Year! It took me these 2 years to figure out how to rearrange and prioritize my down time, so I could read again.]

[This is me, right now. I've picked up reviewing through Promotion Companies, because I feel it's the only way I can be accountable to my reading! And, one day, in the not too distant future, I'll make it to this next paragraph.]

Eventually the kids mature, they get better with age. They are less demanding and more polished. They will always be a part of your life!! But now, you can enjoy that good-looking guy again. Calls from the kids manage to come during business hours, except for the occasional emergency. Date night [reading] happens more frequently. As a matter of fact, dates are spontaneous and way better than they were all those years ago before you had kids! Sometimes, you even sneak in a date, in the middle of the day! <3

*~*~*

If you haven't had a chance to read one of my reviews yet,

Catch my next REVIEW on April 25th. If you aren't already, subscribe to the blog!!

 

 

Someone To Come Back To -- Roisin Black #BEP -- Promotions

✰✰BLOG TOUR✰✰

Someone To Come Back To ( Book One In The Omega Security Series) by Roisin Black @bookenthupromo

Genre:Romance

Release Date: April 13, 2016

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions (http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com )

 

(special limited time price of $2.99)
Amazon US
Amazon UK

 

Róisín Black comes from the West of Ireland, a place where storytelling is a way of life. She’s a dreamer, a wanderer and a writer. In amongst extensive wandering and dreaming she has managed to carve out a successful career as a journalist, hold-down a marriage, produce two amazing children and spend her time with some pretty cool dogs. She currently lives in Queensland, Australia.

Lieutenant John Sullivan of the U.S. Navy SEALs is used to control in all things and especially when it comes to love.  He has one rule.

DO. NOT. GO. THERE.

A recent mission gone wrong sees him seeking refuge at his cabin in the Adirondack wilderness, a place where he goes to deal with the things he has to do as part of his job.

Dr. Maggie O'Brien, Senior Trauma Surgeon at Hillview hospital, New York is dedicated to saving the lives of her patients, leaving her little time for anything resembling a personal life.

When it comes to love she has one belief.

NO. TIME. FOR. THAT.

A work related crisis sees her fleeing New York for the seclusion of the Adirondacks where her burnt-out body and weary soul crave solitude .

The last thing John Sullivan wants whilst he tries to deal with the emotional aftermath of his last mission is the distraction of a fiery red-head with curves that would tempt a saint.

The last thing Maggie O'Brien wants as she finally takes some time to examine her life is to deal with her body's unwanted response to the bossy, over-bearing man who rescued  her in the woods and who drives her crazy in every way.

Soon, though, each realizes the other may not be what they want but what they need. 
However,  ghosts from the past and shocking events from the present shake John to his core and lead him to make a fateful decision that may just cause him to lose the woman he loves, forever.


Thanks for joining me again for another book feature from Book Enthusiast Promotions! This looks to be a good one if you like a steamy, emotional read. :) And it's ON SALE! 

So flexible...

When I was a kid, I was a gymnast. I could do the splits like nobody's business. Backbends and all sorts of fun, flexible maneuvers. 

I'm still flexible. I can touch my toes--from a standing position--and not fall over! But mostly, my flexibility these days is in adjusting to life's sudden changes.

Just a week ago, I was determined to get up early every morning and write from 0400 to 0600. These are the quiet hours in my house. Do you know what happened? My 19 month old decided waking up early was fun! My middle schooler couldn't get his homework done before 9pm. And there was so much going on...it was impossible to get to bed early enough for me to wake up at that hour. The household went into reject mode over my new idea of ideal. Subconsciously, it was like they all had it out for me. [not that I blame them...not really. Okay, a little]

The thing is, I have a goal. The goal is to reach the goal!! The goal is not to get there a certain way. So, I change things up. Last night, I spent the last hour of my day, working on my shit. It worked. I wrote over 500 words, and took care of a few business items on my list.

I'm going to tiptoe through this change and hope that no one, in God's name, notices that I have started something new! Because heaven help them all if I get to my deadline in May and not have a manuscript that is ready to go to the editor!!! >:( Grrr.

Deadline -- #BEP Book Release and Review -- Jessica James

Deadline by Jessica James #ReleaseBlitz @jessicajames @bookenthupromo
Genre:Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 9, 2016
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions (http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com )

He’s a relentless homicide detective. She’s an uncompromising journalist.
Neither desires to work together—but they’ll never uncover the truth alone.

Landing a front page headline isn’t why reporter Caitlin Sparks is investigating a string of suspicious deaths connected to the U.S. State Department. She has a personal stake in finding the killer.

Detective Blake Madison has a connection to the murders too, and will risk anything to uncover the truth. But a journalist is the last person he’d rely on to help him solve a crime—especially one whose trail of evidence leads back to him.

Joining forces becomes essential as the body count continues to grow. Someone powerful doesn't want the truth to come out—and will stop at nothing to make sure no one talks.

On the run with nowhere to turn, the couple devises a plan to expose the killer. The risk is great and the chance of success small, but the ultimate outcome is something neither one of them envisioned.

Deadline caught my eye when it came through my inbox with Book Enthusiast Promotions newsletter. I was attracted to the cover, as it was different than I've been seeing lately. And with two goals in mind—read more and give back—I picked Jessica James’ book as my first review for my new blog. 

Before I start—and just to clarify, if you are looking for Romantic Suspense, this is NOT it. Because I know the readers [of romance] can be quite particular, I will tell you—in my opinion—this book is not going to get you where you want to go. This is more a political thriller with “sweet” romantic elements.

What I liked about the book: Even with the slow start, the story picked up the pace, and there were twists and turns that kept the ending from being revealed too soon. I liked the hero and heroine together. Once they started working as a unit, the ebb and flow of their budding relationship brought much needed emotional relief to the mystery. 

Some things to consider: Unfortunately, I had a hard time fully enjoying the book. There was an unpolished element to the writing that made me wonder if the author could have used a better editor. 

Even so, I am grateful for the chance to read the book. If you like mystery and political thrillers with sweet and conservative values, this could be the book for you.

Jessica James is an award-winning author of military fiction and non-fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day. She is the only two-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

Her novels have been used in schools to teach visualization techniques and are available in more than one hundred libraries including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

James stays active working part-time as a stagehand where she assists with shows ranging from country bands and stage plays, to operas, symphonies and ballets. She resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and has a passion for old dwellings and first edition books.

Take on the World

Today I started a new routine. I had one of those weekends  where I got absolutely nothing [that I wanted to] done. Specifically, writing. This came on the heels of a Spring Break, which was spent either taking care of sick kids or being sick. So my plans to get out that week a couple times while the kids weren't busy at school--yes, use them to babysit!--didn't happen. The ski trip that was supposed to be Wednesday was moved to Thursday, and that killed two mornings as well...

After all that, I knew I was in a place where I was going to have to make adjustments. If I want to publish 4 books between November and March, I need to work! One of those books isn't even started, three need revisions and edits. I can't really afford to putz around. 

This morning at 4am, I woke up and worked for an hour and a half. I edited/revised 13 pages and added 800 words. This is a great start to today!! And it makes the quality time I spend with my Littles throughout the day more precious because I won't be distracted and resenting it. 

Real life is busy. And even though I consider writing a part of my 'real life', I must be honest with myself and my calling. I'm a wife and a mother first. That means children, laundry, food, hugs, kisses, tears... all the things that bring heart to my busy world. 

Now, I just have to keep this up. Tomorrow is another day, another start. Discipline is NOT my middle name! But, I'm going to keep going, keep trying. Knowing that I have even an hour's worth of work done every morning should increase my production by 100%. 

What are you doing today to increase your potential for success?

Happy Easter!

Easter.

The preceding 40 days. 

For me, it's time to reflect on life and on my choices. One thing that happens every Lent [those 40 days prior to Easter], is I get smacked in the face by how little discipline I have. Always a struggle for me to give something up! [and don't talk to me about food! As a T1D, i gave up giving up food a long time ago!] When I look at my life as a whole, I see that lack seeps into other areas. Like writing. Am I disciplined enough to sit down and work without checking Facebook and Twitter? Can I reach that goal in one hour or one day? Or do I let distractions stop me?

Even with the best of intentions, I often fail at being disciplined. 

But it's Easter today, and in my house, that means I get to celebrate the fact that it's okay to be imperfect. Even though I will fail over and over, I'm still loved. Getting up, starting over, taking a new road, trying again... that's all I can do. And it's enough. God loves me. My husband loves me. And if you see anything in my books, I hope it is that LOVE. The love that sees beyond faults and quirks and even out-right wrongs.

May the joy of Easter and this gorgeous season of Spring bring you Love.

 

Forever Together by Jade Whitfield #BEP

Forever Together (The Forever Love Series Book 2) by Jade Whitfield #Blog Tour @bookenthupromo

Genre:Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 18, 2016

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions (http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com

Dark haired beauty, Cindy Martin was once lucky in love, until her boyfriend broke her heart and sent her running. Attending college in faraway Los Angeles was the perfect excuse to get away, settle her heart and drown herself in wine and tears – except now she is back for the summer, and her ex hasn't gone anywhere.

Brady Cooper is handsome, arrogant and still head over heels in love with Cindy. Six months ago, he let fear rule him and he made a mistake that cost him everything – now he just has to get her to believe him.

Surrounded by friends and family that know too much and meddle a little too closely, can this once perfect pair overcome the obstacles in front of them, mend their hearts and finally be Forever Together?

Sometimes the very thing that broke your heart is the only thing that can fix it.

Buy Links button.jpg

Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/1RUyKLh

Amazon UK:  http://goo.gl/H3Yg1L

 

goodreads button.jpg
authorbio button.jpg

As a passionate reader and writer, Jade Whitfield loves nothing more than a good cup of coffee and a sweet romance. A fan of 'Happily Ever After', she believes that everyone should find their own forever love and is committed to telling stories to inspire that. 

Website: https://jadewhitfieldwrites.wordpress.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jadewhitfieldwrites/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13931818.Jade_Whitfield 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not High School

Perhaps, as women, we sometimes forget that high school is over. I'm not usually one who gives in to drama, and I won't now. But when I get an email that seems to have its nose in the air, that wants to put me in my place--so to speak, I get annoyed. 

As authors, we can help each other, but we are still competition.

In a way, there's no forgetting that fact. There will always be a little tension. Yet, we must at least be given the benefit of the doubt! Kindness will always go further than a snidey or snarkey comment...even if it's warranted! We don't have to live with rose-colored glasses or be Pollyanna, but maybe we just sit back and do what's important.

Write. And for myself and most of my colleagues... write about LOVE. [I don't like when I have to remind myself of that] So...

ADVICE to you, writer:

1. put down the defenses and pick up a pen

2. 

Nevermind, there is no two. Just get back to work, eh? Because you're an amazing author with a vibrant personality. And you need to write the next book, darn it.

 

It's the #LittleThings in life, like...

Hi everyone my name is  Beth Rhodes, and I am one of over 100 authors and bloggers on the Little Things Blog Hop! Make sure you visit each stop and enter the posted giveaway. Be sure to enter the amazing Rafflecopter too which has a ton of prizes to be won! 


For those of you who don't know me, I'm an author of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. I'm self-published and have written for Entangled Publishing and Boroughs Publishing as well. If you're interested in all things...writing, US Army wife/life, diabetes, and the occasional kid-blast, sign up on the right to receive more great posts in your inbox. If you just like to stay apprised of my writing and books, sign up for my Newsletter!

🍀 Giveaway for this stop is a $5 Amazon Gift Card
🍀 To Enter
Sign up for my Newsletter!
Nominate Outside The Lines at The Romance Reviews Readers Choice Awards
➜ Leave me a comment to let me know you've done it! :D

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY LINKhttp://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba44e54f2/?
🍀 Visit Tracey Clark next: http://traceylclark.com/category/guest-posts/
🍀 Join the Little Things Blog Hop Event on Facebook for more fun https://www.facebook.com/events/562506680576207/
🍀 Link to all the Blog Hop spots: At the bottom of this post
Thank you for hopping by! 


Winner of the the $5 Amazon GC will be chosen at random and announced on this page.  The Rafflecopter winners will be chosen and announced on the club book promotions page.

~*~*~

Keep It Simple Stupid

Let's face it. I'm a low-maintenance gal. [my husband is laughing right now] But I am!! I don't need a lot. I like time to myself. I like to watch television and laugh. I don't care what my care looks like, and I've been wearing the same ring and jewelry for seventeen years. 

The things that really get me....

1. That kiss goodbye at oh five hundred hours.

2. The oil change on the weekend, so I don't have to worry about it.

3. A compliment from a friend when I least expect it.

4. Chocolate.

5. A beer.

6. Kids who decide to behave for the afternoon [that's not that simple, actually, but when it happens, I smile.]

7. Chocolate...and beer...and kisses

See? The Little Things. Leave a comment for a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card!

Also, a man who gets better looking with age... #kennychesney

Don't Miss out on all the other Wonderful Blogs, hosting this Giveaway!!

Happy Anniversary -- 17 years, for real

Seventeen year ago, I never imagined how great my life was going to end up. I was uncertain, jumping without looking, and--according to social standards--a dumbass.

But I didn't care because I was in love. Oiy.

See. I guess I was. But now, I really love this guy. I mean, in love is so....feely and sometimes a bit vague. It's important, don't get me wrong. I love the feels.

Looking back on all these years, though. I can't believe all the crazy shtuff we've been through. Ups and downs are a given, but getting through them and smiling at seventeen years makes me proud. 

I married a patient, funny, loving man. He'll always be the hero in my book.

 

Are You Unlimited?

I'm a huge user of Amazon Prime. And even if I didn't use the benefits of Prime all year, it would earn its keep in one month at Christmas time. Am I right? We're a military family whose family lives far away. There's little I don't do on Amazon anymore. Especially since I'm not a huge Mall shopper or shopper in general.

Kindle Unlimited works the same. Pay for a subscription, read for free. [Sorta]

And, I've decided to put my books up exclusively on Amazon for a trial period. 

Does it go against the grain? Yes. I don't like putting all my eggs in one basket, and I definitely don't like the monopoly Amazon is building. On the other hand, my books are reaching more readers at Amazon. The only other retailer who competes is Apple, but they are still not having the same results. I've read articles for...and against. And I think it's time to mix things up for Beth Rhodes Books.

I'm curious if you've become a subscriber. I haven't...yet. But I can see how it would be nice. "Like" reading for free. Paying per page, so that if you don't like a book, you can just stop without feeling like you've wasted money.

Don't forget. There's a $5 Amazon GC up for grabs this month on the newsletter list, so if you haven't signed up yet--do it now! And if you're a Facebook Junkie, you can also find me at Beth's Love Junkies for even more discussions and giveaways and whatnot. ;) 

Have a great week!
With Love,
Beth

#FictionFriday -- a Teaser Tuesday

I LOVE TEASERS! I can't help it. I love the visuals with the words. They compel me to buy books. Seriously. 

Today is Fiction Friday on the blog, and I thought I'd share a teaser as well as an excerpt...

Excerpt: From For Love or Duty available at AMAZON!

Chapter Ten

Sweat dripped from Kevin’s head onto the map-covered table. They’d made about fifty runs to the drop-off and pick-up zone in the last two weeks. His men were tired but going strong.
“Captain, the last of the Seals have flown out with Otto and Tyler.”
With a nod, Kevin folded the map in front of him. “Good. Let’s start breaking down camp. Five hours, and we’re going home.”
“Hoo-ah,” Specialist Quinn sang out with a grin. “We are finally out of this fucking sandbox. You know, it’s spring back home. The tulips are coming up and the trees are filling out. Damn, I know we haven’t been gone that long, but it’s always nice to go back.”
Kevin thought the same thing. And as the afternoon progressed, he began planning how he could put together the best salmon and shrimp ceviche Valerie had ever experienced. He wanted it to be perfect—a perfect meal, perfect mood, perfect company. Grand scheme to get a ring on her finger or not, he wanted to be with her.
With a self-conscious look around, he brought himself back to the task at hand. As the last tent was taken down, Kevin nodded at Quinn to radio the chopper.
At the sound of a car coming down the road through the scraggly brush, he turned to see and whistled, signaling for everyone to be on alert.
The driver smiled. Kevin recognized the face of one of the local merchants.
“ETA twelve minutes,” Quinn reported of the helicopter.
The car continued past their location, the driver giving him a slight nod of acknowledgment and a wave.
The rotors of the chopper drummed in the distance.
He smiled when a vision of Valerie came to him, the easy way she laughed, her cynical edge, ready to question any unspoken promises. She was a pistol, his Valerie, and she was never out of his mind for long these days.
One question remained. Could he charm her back into the military life?
“Yo, Capt’n. Look.”
He turned. The small foreign car sat ten yards down the road. The driver was on a cell phone and waving his arms emphatically. He had a flat tire.
Kevin couldn’t help it. He groaned inwardly and, at the same time, waved his men back. The helicopter was in sight. If he hurried, he could assist the stranded motorist without delaying their departure while everyone else loaded for take-off.
He jogged a few yards then slowed.
The man gave Kevin a deliberate look. His smile came up on one side, tilting his mustache. A glint—there was no other way to describe it—appeared in his eye.
The man spoke one word into his phone.
Kevin took a step back, instinct and survival racing through his veins.
The unexpectedly snazzy phone slid shut.
Kevin ran toward the helicopter, yelling, “Back! Get down! Down, down, down!”
An explosion lifted him from the ground. Glass flew past him, striking him like needles—his neck, through his fatigues to his arms and back. Jesus, not good. The ground came at him like a Mack truck, and he slammed into it.
For a brief moment, the world tilted around him, forcing him to close his eyes. When he shook it off and opened his eyes again, Tyler and Quinn were running to him.
Kevin dragged himself to his knees and stumbled to his feet.
Strong arms hoisted his body and dragged him toward the chopper.
His vision hazed at the edges, and he wondered if a storm was brewing. No. The sun shone too brightly, hurting his head with every step.
At the helicopter, he lifted his leg but fumbled the movement. Tyler jumped up and grabbed him under the arms.
Pain mauled his shoulder and he moaned as consciousness slipped.
“There’s lots of bleeding,” his medic, Jeremiah, spoke over the sound of the rotors. Jer stuck him. An IV. “The shoulder’s dislocated.”
“He hit the ground like a ragdoll.”
Tyler?
The sounds around him began to fade.
“…fucking glass everywhere, must have been a trunk full…”
“Gently…”
“Radio ahead, Quinn. Find out…” 
Then, sweet oblivion as the thwap of the helicopter finally faded.