The Dark Citadel by Michael Wallace. Have had this one on my kindle for a bit and am happy to finally be able to sit down and crack it open. *grin* so to speak.
July 28th, 2018
Book 1 in The Monroe Sisters series
NEED YOU NOW
Contemporary
$3.99
http://amzn.to/2EwgJaG
What happens when that first spark is undeniable?
Pediatric oncologist Eva Monroe was finally heading for vacation in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy some much-needed rest, relaxation and sex. It was her goal to find someone to indulge in for the night—or the week, her choice.
Emergency room surgeon and member of Doctors Without Borders Grant Harrison is having fun during his time at the beach when he spies Eva and the heat between them slams into him with incredible force. After he approaches her, they end up going back to his room. What begins as a hot, intense encounter grows to more as they spend the rest of her time there together. Learning about each other and becoming close.
When they leave, neither want to end what they have started to build, but they’re not exactly neighbors. They decide to try a long-distance relationship—she visits him in Arizona and he her in Iowa, but they want more. Who is going to be the one to give up what they have for the other?
Someone has to make a choice. But when it comes, will it be too late?
***Excerpt***
“Sometimes, you just need some dick.”
Eva snorted, the margarita burning her nose as it exited, making her cough and her eyes water. “Did you just—oh, never mind, of course you did.” She glared across the table at her sister with the vulgar mouth, Tara, as she accepted the napkin handed to her from the third member of the group. She wiped her lips before she dabbed at the corners of her eyes, hoping this incident hadn’t turned her into a damn raccoon with how her makeup was running.
“What?” Tara blinked her almond-shaped black eyes, appearing unconcerned with her statement and how loud she’d made it. “It’s true, a good fuck can go a long way.” She sipped her Chardonnay and gestured to their other sister, Shai. “Tell her. I mean, she’s a doctor. You’d think she would be aware of the benefits.” Tara flipped her braid back over her shoulder, the pink streak in it vibrant and outgoing, much like the woman herself.
Shai drained the rest of her extra-dirty martini and put the glass down. “Tara’s correct. You need to get laid. All of us do.” She gestured for another drink.
Eva shook her head. She was the eldest and these two knew how to test her. “How did we go from my day to talking about a hookup?”
“Because your day didn’t include one.” Tara toasted her.
She sighed dramatically. I highly doubt yours did either, Tara. “That would be your logic. And just for the record, counselor, I’m a surgeon, not a regular doctor.”
“Pretty sure there’s a fucking MD after your name and I’ve seen you put DR in front of it. Or so it was the last time I saw you sign something.”
Glaring at Shai, she huffed with as much indignation as she could manage to pull off having just choked on a drink moments prior. “No one asked for your opinion, professor.”
“That’s why I gave it. I am a professor. I interject when all the facts aren’t present. I’m an educator.” Shai flashed a grin, her white teeth stark against her smooth nut-brown skin.
“Why do I agree to come out with you two?”
“Because we’re family and you love us,” they responded in tandem.
“Ask me later about the love bit,” Eva retorted as she gazed around the table.
Shai, the baby of the family, was the youngest tenured professor at the university. Eva’s parents had adopted her when she was only six months old. Tara had joined the family at age two and held the middle-child distinction. All three of them were thick as thieves.
Running a hand over her spike cut, she spied a guy standing by the bar, eyes on the three of them. Her heart kicked up a few notches as recognition set in, but she couldn’t pull from her memory banks just where she knew him from.
“Who’s McHottie?”
“What?” she asked Shai.
“Which barfly are you staring at?”
“None.”
“The witness is becoming hostile. I believe I should press the point,” Tara added.
Eva faced her sister and muttered, “Bitch.”
“Later,” Shai said. “I’ve been thinking about what was said earlier.”
Eva glanced over at her, eyebrows up in silent question.
“You know, about you not getting any cock.”
She covered her eyes. “This is the problem—well, one of the problems—with having a professor and an ADA as siblings, you two are used to having to yell. There is something called an inside voice. You know, where you talk quieter, so the entire bar doesn’t learn about me not having sex lately?”
“Because that was stated so eloquently and with your inside voice.” Shai’s tone dripped with humor.
Lord, could the floor just swallow me up? She met the amber gaze of the man across the way.
From the way his bow-shaped lips had kicked up, he’d overheard the embarrassing exchange. He raised his beer in her direction.
“Focus, please.”
Professor tone. That’s what Eva called it. She’d heard Shai use it numerous times in her classes and it never failed to silence the noise even in an auditorium. However, her sibling had a way with people and could easily get them to listen to her. It was a gift.
“I need a refill for this,” Eva groused, waving for another pink-grapefruit margarita. “Especially since the last bit wasn’t enjoyed as it exited my nose.”
All it takes is a single glance.
Arissa Wright loved her job as an Emergency Room doctor in Chicago. She was scheduled for this overdue vacation before she began getting ready for her new job, in her hometown of McKingley, New Mexico. Returning home was leaving her with a lot of mixed emotions and this vacation was just what she needed. What she hadn’t counted on was the man she met on the fourteen day cruise in the Caribbean.
Deiter Schneider worked for the government as a translator. He loved his job, for it allowed him to travel all over, meeting new people and seeing new places. But he needed a break, and for that reason, he found himself booked on a Caribbean cruise. When he saw this one woman, he had to stop and introduce himself.
Each day they spend together lounging and just enjoying the amenities the ship has to offer, from the casino to the midnight chocolate buffet, saving a passenger’s life to dining with the captain. They each fall deeper for the other. After they part, they wonder if they’ll ever meet again. When they do, it’s a surprising reunion and Deiter must convince her that their future together is the best thing yet.
****
Somewhere in the Caribbean
Arissa smiled as she lounged on a padded chaise. In one hand she held an iced tea with lemon and in the other was a romance book, Rarities Incorporated, a compilation of three stories in one. And an awesome read. This is the life. A fourteen day cruise was the best thing she could have taken. Even though this was only day two, Arissa found herself totally relaxed.
A shadow fell over her and she glanced up. What met her stare made her heart leap up into her throat. Damnation, he’s fine. The man before her was in incredible shape. She scanned up his form as her doctor’s brain categorised what she saw.
Six feet two inches of well-muscled, Caucasian male. He had tanned skin, blue-grey eyes, an amazing white smile and blondish-brown hair cropped close to his head. His dark blue shirt hugged his chest in a way that made her envision herself removing it. The sleeves were tight against his upper arms like they struggled to contain the muscles. Gaze travelling lower, she took in the white shorts and the strong legs emerging from them.
You can’t go back and make a new start, but you can start right now and make a brand new ending. ~James R. Sherman
Another new to me author but hey, look at this cover. Love! Instantly grabbed my attention.
New release out today. Book 3 in the D.A.R.K., INC series.
Ever wonder how Rhodi and Karen got together? Here you go.
HANDLING THE PERKS
Contemporary
She came for a job and found her forever…
Karen Womber had made her way to Montana to start over. Landing a job with a protection agency, she falls for one of the bosses.
Rhodi Wilder can’t keep his mind, focus, or hands off the new woman they hired. He knows better but no matter how he tries, she is there derailing his good intentions.
Eventually their passion is to strong to ignore and they give in. will they have a chance at a future when the lies are exposed? Will she be willing to stick around and handle the perks?
Life’s problems wouldn’t be called “hurdles” if there wasn’t a way to get over them. ~Author Unknown
A new to me author, looking forward to this one by Tasha Blue.
Love this cover!
KINDLE UNLIMITED
Here is a list of the books by Aliyah Burke now available in Kindle Unlimited.
Are you part of Kindle Unlimited?
To date I have eight stories in Kindle Unlimited. All of these take place in and around my fictional town of Cottonwood Falls.
I know some of you may not be aware of what Kindle Unlimited is, so here’s a breakdown.
- Kindle Unlimited (KU) is a subscription program through Amazon. With a monthly subscription you’re given unlimited access to books, audiobooks, and magazines.
- The cost is $9.99/mo. Amazon does offer a Free 30-day trial to see if this is something you would like to continue taking part in.
- If you’re interested in joining the program, click here.
In Cottonwood Falls you meet the residents, see into small town life, and more. Each is a stand alone and range in length. More will be coming to Cottonwood Falls as well to be available in KU.
Blurbs for stories in the Cottonwood Falls series
Relentless
Not everything new is best
Tobias Latner has come home to buy up property and build a new mall. With the misguided belief it will be best for the town, he’s shocked by the amount of resistance he receives. More than that, he’s shaken by the intense attraction he feels to one of the residents.
Dr. Melinda Glazer comes home when her father is diagnosed with cancer, to work the clinic so it doesn’t have to close. Her lust for Toby Latner is a distraction she feels she can move beyond if she gets it out of her blood. She doesn’t realize how wrong she is, nor how relentless the businessman can be when he sets his sights on something he wants.
??
Fracture
Homecomings can be wonderful in breaking down old walls
Once the princess of Cottonwood Falls, Vicki Boshay had exchanged her crown and dresses for a badge and a gun as a deputy in her hometown. Disowned by her family for her decisions she has moved on and carries her head high. One foggy night she’s reunited with a man who lived on the wrong side of the tracks but had always interested her.
Chase Ellery is out of the Army and has come back home. He is shocked to see Vicki Boshay wearing a uniform when she gives him a ride into town. Some memories are harder than others to get rid of and despite the passion arching between them, their past is still there. Will they be able to move on or will it fracture the budding relationship?
??
Ravish
There are times when you just need to return to your roots
On the heels of landing his largest part yet, Brody Paget, has returned from Hollywood to Cottonwood Falls, to share the news with a family he’s not seen in years. Still, sometimes it’s harder to let go of what you’ve run from than expected and he learns that when he is reunited with the one woman he’s ever loved. She just also happens to be the woman he left at the altar.
Hermione Windsor can’t believe it when he walks into the bank. Even ten years wasn’t long enough for her to move on. Now, he was back and wanted to rekindle what they had. She’s changed since he’d bolted and isn’t sure she has what it takes to be part of his fast life. Brody is determined to prove to her he’s still the only man for her.
??
Spark
Sometimes that first touch is the only spark needed
Vance Hendrickson works hard at his garage, content with his life, right up until he gets a call that leads him into the life of one Kendria Bonher. She’s running from something and he wants to protect her with a ferocity that stuns him.
Kendria is used to a different world than one gets in the small town of Cottonwood Falls, Georgia but finds herself falling not only for the town but the mechanic who makes her emotions race off the chart. Can his quiet confidence help her find the bit she needs to confront her past allowing her to have a future?
??
Savor
When you slow it all down, you’re allowed to savor.
Piers Cuyper is a single father. His son, having withdrawn since his mother’s death, needs a teacher who will bring out the best in him. Piers found that teacher in London Rhymes. But that wasn’t all he found in her.
London Rhymes loved teaching the children of Cottonwood Falls. Her steadfast rule of not getting involved with one of her students parents went by the wayside when she met Piers. He could be everything she’d ever possibly want but will she allow herself the chance?
??
Intensity
Two people whose intensity for one another may be their downfall…or heaven.
Grey Sorenson, Navy SEAL, has had a thing for Sarah for years. Problem is when they’re together the sparks they put off aren’t all good.
Sarah Mallery loves serving in the USMC. Her life would be perfect if not for the SEAL who makes her want to hit him one second and kiss him the next. A mission throws them together, will things get worked out after this or will more obstacles fall in their way of a happily ever after?
??
Inferno
Even in the winter, things can get hot.
Jazz Delahoussaye has been volunteered by her cousin to find a man for a photo shoot. The only reason she’s doing it is because it’s for a charity cause. Buried in her work, she hasn’t the faintest idea of where to look or what to do. So, she finds herself looking for someone her friend said would help, and that sets her on course for Cottonwood Falls, Georgia.
Bastian Müller is shocked to see not only his grandfather back in town but also the woman he’d been promised to help. The ex-smokejumper turned regular firefighter is intrigued by the sassy yet extremely private woman. He agrees to help, if, she stays in town until the shoot is over. Once that happens, will he be able to keep her forever or will she vanish as quickly as she arrived, leaving him alone with only memories?
??
Snake’s Salvation
Two people with painful pasts can create something spectacular with each other.
Jason “Snake” LaRue was a Navy SEAL. Now he’s not and he has trust issues and memories he can’t forget no matter how hard he tries. His one solace is a woman who works at the local diner who chases away the darkness in him. But would she ever consider a man with his past?
Loretta Swann has given up art and now works at an all-night diner. Running from her past, she up and goes when the mood strikes. Her one shining moment a day is when the ex-SEAL graces the establishment. An impulsive kiss makes her wonder about something more with him. But when she learns what he wants, will she run again, or stick around to be Snake’s Salvation?
Once that happens, will he be able to keep her forever or will she vanish as quickly as she arrived, leaving him alone with only memories?
Book 2 in D.A.R.K., INC series
TRUST ME
Contemporary, suspense
$2.99
https://amzn.to/2JxHzlg
She must trust someone from her past in order to survive her present and experience a future…
Shelly Marie Dixon is a woman with a fearful past. Literally. She’s never able to settle in one place, all because of a man set on tormenting her. After five years of struggling to move on with her life, she goes back to another man. One she left years ago. One with the skills to help her. Hopefully, he won’t brush her aside.
Never in his wildest dreams did Adam Wilder, eldest brother and co-founder of D.A.R.K Cover, Inc, expect to find a lost love sitting in the lobby of his company. Much less, expect to find her terrified.
There’s no way he’s letting her face things alone. If it takes all of D.A.R.K’s resources, he’ll risk it. Whatever it takes to keep her safe. Problem is, will he be able to keep it professional—because one look at her and he wants to go back to how things were, way back when.
The only way that’s going to happen is if she’ll believe him when he says: Trust Me.
***Excerpt***
For the next two hours he took care of paperwork, lining up other jobs and making notes on completed ones. His phone buzzed and he hit the button with the pen. “Yes?”
“Could you come down here please?”
Adam didn’t hesitate, he wasn’t fond of the tremor in her voice. “On my way.” He grabbed his Glock, made sure the magazine was full, and shoved it in the back of his waistband as he hurried to the door. He took the stairs and pushed through the door to find his sister-in-law sitting at her desk, watching for him. Scanning the area, he didn’t see anyone and met her gaze once more.
“What’s going on?”
“There’s someone here to see you.”
Another look around their waiting room. No one was there. “Who are you talking about, Karen?”
The door to the bathroom opened and a small figure stepped out, ball cap pulled low over the face, so he couldn’t tell who it was.
“Her.”
He ran another perusal of her. Her fear was obvious and her suspicion. He glanced back to Karen, who shook her head to his unasked question of why she called him. Derek had a way of making women feel safe, he was the lighthearted one. Not Adam.
“She asked for you by name,” Karen whispered, answering the question as to why it was him.
Raking a hand through his hair, he stepped forward. “You asked to see me?” he queried, willing her to lift her gaze.
She raised a hand and removed her hat, simultaneously tilting her chin. Dark red curls tumbled free as he was speared by a pair of emerald green eyes he never thought he’d see again in his lifetime. His lungs were empty and it took a moment for him to comprehend, his brain reminding him to breathe.
“Shelly Marie?” Surely it had to be a mistake he was seeing her before him.
“I know I’m the last person you want to see, Adam, but I need your help.” That pink tongue of hers darted out to dampen her lips. “Please.”
Adam blinked a few times. The apparition before him didn’t move anywhere. He took another visual perusal of her. This time picking up on every nuance. Physically this woman may be the one he knew like the back of his hand, but that’s where it ended. It wasn’t his woman on the inside. Dark circles under her eyes were hidden by makeup, while the corners of her mouth were tight with strain. And there was the way her fingers barely peeked out from the oversized long sleeve tee and worked the hat brim with an abundance of nervous energy.
She reminded him of a deer, frightened and ready to bolt at the slightest bit of provocation. Not at all the level headed, calm, woman he’d fallen in love with all those years ago. Karen’s overly inquisitive gaze flicked between the two of them.
