Join me at Word Wranglers today! A recent re-working of a previously published book has reminded me of how many of my own experiences I put into my books. It's also reminded me of the limitations of "writing what I know."
Friday, February 25, 2022
Jana At Word Wranglers: Write What You Know?
Join me at Word Wranglers today! A recent re-working of a previously published book has reminded me of how many of my own experiences I put into my books. It's also reminded me of the limitations of "writing what I know."
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Upcoming Release from Cara Bertoia: CASINO QUEEN
Today's guest is Cara Bertoia and she's going to tell us a fascinating story about working in the casino industry for two decades. Since they always tell you to write what you know, Cara has taken that experience into the writing of her upcoming release, CASINO QUEEN. The book releases on March 16, 2022 and is available now for pre-order. Welcome Cara!
I worked in the casino industry for a long time. As a child watching Ocean’s Eleven, they seemed so grown up and glamourous. They were open 24 hours, which made them seem so alive. I was never lonely working in the casino. I always made good money and got to travel the world. To get my first job I drove across country from North Carolina to Nevada. The first casino I saw was the Cal Neva casino on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe. Dealing there allowed me to look out at a panoramic view of the lake. I lived in America’s all year playground for three years. I was young, single and worked nights, so I could go to the lake or ski during the day.
I later worked for Princess Cruises traveling the world as a croupier. I met my Scottish husband on the Star Princess, and when we left ships, we moved to Palm Springs. My point is not every casino is in a beautiful place, but you can find one in a beautiful place if you want to.
My husband and I moved to Palm Springs the same week a Native American casino opened downtown. Thousands of people from all over the world were flocking to the desert to work at the casinos. Tribes all over California were claiming their sovereignty. The casino we went to work at snuck in slot machines, defying the federal government. Until Proposition 5 passed, legalizing tribal gaming, we were scared of being shut down. But the best part was that we got to live in Palm Springs, with majestic mountains hovering in the background.
I found the perfect backdrop for my novel in the High Desert of Southern California. A refuge for artists, ex-Marines and desert rats. The sky was always blue, and the rocks at Joshua Tree National Park looked like giant Jenga pieces precariously balanced, ready to fall. We loved hiking in the park, an isolated place near the largest Marine base in the world. The Night Hawk casino near that base became the setting for my novel.
The characters in my book were familiar to me from my two decades working in the casino industry. Fortunately, my boss was the most charismatic tribal chairman in America. People always asked me, “What’s a nice girl like you doing working in a place like this?” Now I can honestly say, “Research.” The characters in my head just kept letting me know how they wanted their story told. All the pieces of the story came together in an organic way to capture that special time and place. It was important to me that my protagonist would be a strong woman running the casino. Because I worked with so many smart, strong, independent women.
What you don’t know reading my novel is that the series was inspired by actual incidents so coincidental that if you put them in a novel, they would sound like a contrivance. We arrived in Palm Springs and got married three weeks later. His roommate from the cruise ships was the best man at our wedding. Dave left his job at our casino and moved to Albuquerque to take a job as a shift manager there. Working there he met Julian and encouraged him to move to Palm Springs for greater opportunities. Even though they switched places they couldn’t avoid their fate. They were both murdered under mysterious circumstances.
The casino industry has been good to me, but I always witnessed an underbelly just perfect for a thriller. Millions of dollars passed through the casino every week, casino fleas operated their personal side businesses on the gaming floor, and you never knew who might walk through the door itching for a fight. My hope is that after reading Casino Queen you will never walk into a casino the same way.
Blurb, Casino Queen:
Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt, ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.
Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.
In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.
Excerpt:
“Why did I transfer you up from Palm Springs to be my Casino Queen?” The charismatic Tribal Chairman John Tovar asked.
“Casino Queen, really? Apparently, you are the only person in America who isn’t watching the show about the seven kingdoms on cable. The queens always get killed in the most horrific ways. They are hanged, beheaded, poisoned, burned alive in an explosion, or have their throat slit,” an exasperated Caroline Popov answered.
“I promise that won’t happen to you.” He gestured for her to take a seat at an empty ‘Mystic Mermaid’ slot machine, then sat across from her. They swiveled their chairs to face each other. John tried to act serious, but a smile kept pulling at the corner of his eyes. “According to the Mazurie decision, Native American tribes are considered sovereign nations. Therefore as leader of the tribe, I am King of the Shotowa.”
He continued. “Believe me, when I met the Queen of England I was introduced as the leader of the Shotowa nation. Let me be clear, as soon as you drove into this parking lot you entered the nation.” He gestured toward the uniformed officers standing at the door. “We have our own army.”
She decided to play along with the flow of his logic. “You mean security guards.”
“Precisely, trained courtesy of the United States Marine Corps. The tribe issues its own currency, gaming chips made of ceramic clay, stamped with our logo. At the cashiers’ cage, our central bank, those chips can be exchanged for U.S. dollars. Anyone can find food in our three restaurants or the team member dining room for employees. An underground well supplies us with water. We provide hotel rooms for shelter. Any guest who comes to stay with us will find their basic human needs covered by the Shotowa Tribe. Never forget we are a sovereign nation. I am the King, and I anoint you Queen of the Night Hawk.
Releases March 16, 2022. Available for Pre-order now at the following stores:
Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Author Bio:
Cara Bertoia grew up in a strait-laced Southern family, but she was always fascinated with casinos. In her twenties on a summer hiatus from teaching in North Carolina, she drove to California and became a dealer at Caesars in Lake Tahoe. She discovered that after teaching high school, handling an unruly gambler was a piece of cake. Her mother highly disapproved of her working in a casino, "a place so bad it has 'sin' in the middle."
Eventually, she succumbed to pressure from the family and returned east to take a high-tech job in Boston. She also began working on her MFA in writing at Emerson. Her goal was to write the first realistic novel about casino life from the perspective of an experienced table games dealer. She is always amazed that normal and sometimes quite intelligent players become absolutely clueless in the casino. They repeat superstitious nonsense and no amount of logic can change their position, maybe her novel will.
While in Boston she was offered the opportunity to join Princess Cruises as a croupier. Jumping at the chance, she spent the next five years circling the globe. Sometimes life exceeds your dreams. She was awed by the wonders of Venice, the fjords of Norway, and the Northern Lights in Leningrad.
Cara returned from ships with a very special souvenir, her Scottish husband Ray. They went to work at the Spa Casino in Palm Springs, and now live in Hollywood, Florida, where she writes about her casino years while wistfully gazing out at the ocean.
She would love to hear from you at: Cara Bertoia: carabertoia@yahoo.com
For more information on Cara Bertoia, go to:
Instagram: Cara Bertoia (@carabertoia) • Instagram photos and videos
Blog: https://carabertoia.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaraBertoia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.bertoia
Bookbub: BookBub
Friday, February 18, 2022
LET IT MELT: #NewRelease from Margot Johnson
Full disclosure: Margot Johnson and I belong to the same writing group in Saskatchewan, Canada. Though I haven't lived in Saskatchewan for over 20 years, I still belong to the Saskatchewan Romance Writers, of which Margot is also a member. And since I grew up in Saskatchewan, I'm very familiar with all the places where she finds inspiration in our home province. Great to have you here, Margot. I hope to see you at a retreat this year!
Let it Melt is book two in the Merilee Tours series.
In book one, Let it Snowball, Merilee reinvents her boring life by launching a tour business which leads to fun adventures and surprising romance.
In Let it Melt, Merilee hosts a Valentine’s Sweetheart Tour where love is in the air…maybe.
How on earth did Jill, a single divorcee, land on a romantic Valentine's Sweetheart Tour for couples? Worse, she’s paired with Jack, her daughter’s brash father-in-law, and everyone thinks he’s her valentine. Stranded in a Canadian prairie blizzard, how soon can she kiss this awkward evening goodbye?
Long divorced, Jack would love to charm Jill with his toned body and dynamic personality, but his wisecracks and obsession with fitness get in the way—especially when he nabs a post at the same school where she teaches.
Even the most romantic month of the year can’t melt their differences and sweeten Jill's feelings….or can it?
Some of Margot’s inspirations…
The dogs in my books are inspired by my old golden retriever, Sophie, who makes me smile every day.
Merilee’s tours are inspired by my love of my home province of Saskatchewan and the many wonderful places to visit here including these five examples…
 |
| Winter sunset in Saskatchewan |
1. Moose Jaw, SK – a city with a small-town feel, I set my first book, Love Takes Flight, there. Legend has it that Al Capone hid out in tunnels under the city, and it has a great mineral spa for a relaxing soak.
2. Waskesiu, SK – This touristy town sits on the shores of a lake in Prince Albert National Park in northern Saskatchewan. Our family visits every year to breathe the fresh, pine-scented air, hang out at the beach, and watch for wildlife. Elk often cruise the town, and you might see a bear along the road.
3. Madge Lake, SK – Another beautiful lake setting in Saskatchewan where our family has started an annual holiday tradition.
4. Eastend, SK – This small town is best known for the nearby discovery of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton nicknamed "Scotty" in 1994. We stayed in a country cottage and had fun exploring the area.
5. Regina, SK – a city of about 250,000, it’s the capital city of Saskatchewan with many attractions including beautiful Wascana Park and the RCMP Heritage Centre and police training academy.
Excerpt, Let it Melt:
Circling the rink, she stretched her free leg and arced toward and then away from Jack. Her bulk floated away, and confidence expanded in her chest like a balloon that would never pop. She soared as alive and free as the old, energetic Jill. Goodbye to the tired woman who crumpled on the couch with potato chips to comfort her while she coped with the disappointments and adjustments of a failed marriage. Intermission from regular, active life was over.
For a few moments, only the crisp, cutting sounds of their blades broke the still, silent air.
“Will you—”
“I wish—” Hearing Jack speak at the same moment, Jill slowed and curved side to side.
“Ladies first.” Jack swung forward an arm.
“I wish every night could be this beautiful.” She glanced at the starry sky. Did it twinkle the promise of happy days to follow?
“In my amazing presence?” He stuck a thumb in his chest.
“I mean…I don’t know what I mean. What were you about to say?” She lowered her gaze to his profile and absorbed the cold, peaceful air brushing her cheeks.
“Will you allow me to hold your hand?” He gave a slight bow and extended an arm
The bold man disappeared, replaced by a hesitant gentleman. At the same time, she melted from a mature woman into a fluttery teen. Passing fragrant evergreens, she couldn’t quite take a full breath. Would she? Should she?” Under her blades, the ice snapped. Her mouth dried so she couldn’t speak, so she nodded and held out a hand.
About Margot Johnson:
 |
| Margot and Sophie |
Margot Johnson writes feel-good stories of dreams, family, and romance.
She is the author of two sweet romance novels, LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY, and two novellas, LET IT SNOWBALL and LET IT MELT. Her characters can't possibly find their happy endings...or can they?
Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard."
When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!)
Margot lives in the Canadian prairies with her amazing husband and adorable golden retriever.
Where
to connect
Website: margotjohnson.ca
Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor
Twitter: @AuthorMargot
Find her books here:
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Booksweeps Valentine #Giveaway Promo Extended to February 23!
Booksweeps Valentine #Giveaway! Enter to win a Prize pack consisting of an ereader and 50+ steamy romance novels!
Blurb for CHILL OUT:
Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?” Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.
Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.
As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?
Enter the Valentine #Giveaway with Booksweeps today!
Saturday, February 12, 2022
#Valentine Story CHILL OUT in Booksweeps #GIVEAWAY!
Booksweeps Valentine #Giveaway! Enter to win a Prize pack consisting of an ereader and 50+ steamy romance novels!
https://www.booksweeps.com/
Sales!
Sales ends soon. Download now!
Chill Out
Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?” Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.
Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.
As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?
Available at Amazon for .99 cents - https://www.amazon.com/Chill-Out-Candy-Hearts-Romance-ebook/dp/B018L29ZUY
Her Best Man
Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. How is she supposed to share a tiny cabin with a man she barely knows? Even worse, how is she supposed to pretend that she and Will are on their honeymoon? Sarah discovers the best man for her really is the best man.
Available for $1.99 at the following stores:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Best-Man-ebook/dp/B004I6E4ZY
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-best-man-jana-richards/1017477347?ean=9781601740199
Thursday, February 10, 2022
#NewRelease: A BIRD IN THE HAND by Cynthia Terelst
Australian author Cynthia Terelst's new contemporary romance novel releases today! A BIRD IN THE HAND is an opposites-attract, road trip romance that takes us down the west coast of Australia. And since it's the middle of winter here in Canada, a road trip down the west coast of Australia sounds really good! Welcome Cynthia!
She yearns for the past. He wants a better future. Can they learn to love the present together?
When thirty-something Makayla’s long-term boyfriend breaks it off, she is left broken hearted. Her best friends seize the opportunity and book a bus tour up the west coast of Australia. They hope distance will give her perspective, but she can’t see past what she’s lost.
Tyler needs a break from work and seeks something more fulfilling, even if he has no idea what that is. When his mates plan the trip of a lifetime he decides to tag along. He’s sure it will get him out of his rut, and in turn, help him set a course for his future.
No one is prepared for the planning mishap that finds Makayla and Tyler sharing a room. They are opposites in just about every way and are definitely not interested in each other. Add a fouled mouthed cockatoo to the equation and the perfect trip is not so perfect. Or is it?
**This is a standalone romance with medium heat**
Message from the Author:
A Bird in the Hand was a fun book to write. Along with my characters, I visited parts of Western Australia I have never been to and others I have explored before. Even though I visited them nearly twenty years ago, they still hold a place in my heart.
From the start, we could see the differences between Makayla and Tyler, even if they were subtle. I enjoyed watching them change over time, where their attitude changed from ‘no way’ to ‘this could be a thing’. It was their bravery and their patience with each other that allowed that to happen.
The cockatoo in the story, with a most unfortunate name, was based on a pet cockatoo when I was a child, Old Bugger. I also asked people to share their cockatoo stories with me and formed this foul-mouthed character. Cockatoos are very smart and CM’s colourful vocabulary certainly showed that.
I like to bring awareness to social issues in my novels. This time, I chose inequality and diversity. I only touch on these in the novel, but I hope it opens minds of readers and perhaps begins important conversations.
Excerpt:
I looked up as Makayla came traipsing through the campsite, her clothing wet. “What on earth?”
I got up and followed her into the tent.
“Are you OK?”
“Fine.”
“Do you need some help?”
“I said I’m fine.”
I took a step back, holding up my hands.
She turned on me as fast as a competitor in a takeover negotiation. “Why do you always have to be so nice?”
Being nice was a bad thing? I tilted my head. “You don’t want me to be nice?”
“No.”
I’d never heard of someone not wanting people to be nice. “What would you rather me be?”
“Not nice. Unlikeable.”
My body felt light. “You like me?”
“No. I don’t like you.”
“But you said I was likable.”
She stamped her foot and stared at me, her jaw set. “It doesn’t mean I like you.”
“So, I’m likable, but you don’t like me?” I tried to hold my smile in.
She took two quick steps and was right up in my body space. “I don’t like you. I’m not interested in you.”
Her arms wrapped around my neck and her mouth crashed with mine. As quick as the kiss started, it finished.
Her wide eyes stared at me. She smoothed her top down which just made it cling to her body more. “Right. OK. Yep.”
I opened my mouth but before I could say a word she whipped around and escaped from the tent. What had just happened? I stared after her as she walked to the edge of the campsite and paused. What an idiot. I should have kissed her back.
She spun around and marched back to the tent. When she stepped inside, she smoothed her top down again. The wetness exposed the top of her breasts. I’d be jerking off to that sight for a very long time.
“Sorry about that.” She looked up at me and gave me a small smile.
“I’m not.”
Slight movement caught my attention, she was flexing her fingers.
I pulled her towards me. As my lips met hers, she sighed. My dick went hard as her lips opened to mine. Her warm mouth invited me in as if it was a haven and I was lost at sea. She pressed against my body and I held her there savouring every morsel of her sweet taste.
Her hands pushed against my chest. Our bodies separated and then our lips. I breathed heavy as I stared down at her.
“I like it when you express yourself,” I said, smiling.
She took a step back. My stomach dropped. Had I said the wrong thing?
Buy Link:
https://books2read.com/u/bWG2XG
Author Bio:
Cynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.
Social Media Links:
Website http://cynthiaterelst.com/
Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/p9p9y0
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cynthiaterelst
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cynthia-terelst
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Terelst/e/B07ZCTX8SB/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/cynthiaterelst
Blog http://cynthiaterelst.com/blog/
Twitter https://twitter.com/CynthiaTerelst
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/cynthiaterelst
Friday, February 4, 2022
#NewRelease: PRIVILEGE by Tina Donahue
Tina Donahue is here today with PRIVILEGE, her new release in The Valesky Crime Family series. Be sure enter the giveaway at the end of the post. Congratulations on the new book, Tina!
Privilege
The Valesky Crime Family Book 2
by Tina Donahue
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
She’ll destroy the mobsters who murdered her brother... unless they kill her first.
District cop Lia Blosky warned her twin brother not to get involved with the Valesky Crime Family. He didn’t listen. Now, he’s dead, tortured horribly before mobsters murdered him. Out for blood, she’ll do anything to see these monsters dead.
FBI Special Agent Adrian Kalin is connected to the Valesky Family in a way he loathes and doesn’t want. His stepfather rules the syndicate and is tired of Lia threatening to kill him and others responsible for her brother’s death. To shut her up for good, he orders Adrian to murder her. Who better than an FBI agent who has no connection to her and knows how to hide evidence?
Adrian resists, but if it comes down to saving Lia or his brothers and mother from Dimitri’s rage, he’ll have to choose family.
In a deadly game between each other and the mob, Lia and Adrian fight to survive... while also surrendering to their undeniable attraction to each other.
This is book two in the Valesky Crime Family series, can be enjoyed independently and has an HEA.
Publisher’s Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some readers.
LIA
My rubber soles squeak on the polished floor.
Tap.
The unexpected sound stops me.
I cock my head.
Nothing.
The walls must be settling.
I put in my earbuds to listen to music then quickly take them out. If I fuck up while I’m on duty here I’ll
have no income.
The store’s main entrance is past the shoes and cosmetics, the faintly lit mall visible beyond it.
I proceed.
Tap.
Again, I stop, my skin crawling. That sound isn’t coming from the building nor is it a coincidence.
I spin around.
No one’s behind me.
Holding my breath, I wait for something to pounce at me from either side.
Nothing does.
What the fuck?
Shaken and confused, I face front.
Adrian advances.
No, no, no!
“You need to come with me,” he says.
To make my murder easier on him? His jeans, tee, and biker boots show he’s dressed for manual labor...
like digging a grave.
Instinctively, I reach for my gun, which isn’t there. This mall doesn’t want their security guards involved
in shootouts even if they’re cops. Standing down is their preference. My only weapon is my phone.
I pull it out and back away.
He follows. “If you plan to call 911, that’s not a wise choice. Remember, the cops in this area are on
Dimitri’s side not yours.”
Just like him. Together, they could easily subdue me. Once I’m cuffed or hogtied, transporting me to
another location for the final kill would take zero effort.
I shove the phone back in my pocket but keep retreating.
He matches my every step. “Lia, come with me, please. If you don’t want to go into WITSEC, I can take
you somewhere safe.”
Like a fucking grave?
No thanks.
He may be bigger and have a gun but I know this place. He doesn’t.
Using that to my advantage, I back toward the escalators. They’re turned off but still lead away from him.
His gaze jumps from me to them. “There’s no need to run. I can protect you.”
Liar. Bastard.
I don’t stop.
Neither does he.
Junk jewelry displays crowd the area a few feet from the escalators. No one bothers to put that stuff away.
Thieves wouldn’t bother with it.
At last, I stop.
Adrian does, too. “Please say you’re coming with me. I’m begging you.”
I’d rather he was shrieking in agony from a bullet to his dick or gut, but keep that venom from my voice.
“We can talk. That’s it. I’m not promising anything. Got it?”
“Sure.” He gestures behind himself. “Let’s go outside to my car or yours. Whatever you’re comfortable
with.”
I won’t relax until he’s dead. “I have to close up first. There’s a door upstairs I need to lock.” I point to
the upper floor.
He nods. “I’ll go with you.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Lia, please.”
I feign indecision then nod. “Fine.” Alert and impatient, I wait for him to step closer.
When he’s no more than a foot away but still coming, I push the junk jewelry display in his path.
Unable to stop, he trips over it.
I lift the next display and bring it down hard on his back.
His breath whooshes out. He falls face forward... directly in my path to the mall entrance.
Before I can get around him, he’s pushing to his knees.
Shit. I race up the escalator to leave from the exit I mentioned.
Tap, tap, tap.
He’s steps below me, murder in his eyes, his gun drawn. “You’re going to fucking stop,” he says, “and
you’re going to do it now.”
Target
The Valesky Crime Family Book 1
A Russian kingpin wants her dead... the only one who can stop it is the man sent to murder her.
Toni Flores loved her dream job working for a respected US senator until he raped her. She’s determined to bring him to justice, no matter the cost.
For years, Dimitri Valesky, head of a Russian crime family in America, has bought off those in government. Just like the senator responsible for Toni’s assault. When she won’t keep quiet about it and risks Dimitri’s business, he orders his stepson Michael to kill her.
Michael’s a lobbyist not a mafia enforcer. He refuses the insane demand, but Dimitri insists. The power he holds over Michael and his brothers is absolute... or so he believes.
Rather than murder Toni, Michael intends to romance her. Once he convinces her to keep quiet about the Senator, she won’t be a target any longer and Dimitri will back off on the hit. The plan falls apart and now they are dodging mafia enforcers, bullets, and Dimitri’s outrage.
Michael and Toni fight to stay alive and save those dearest to them as they also fall hopelessly in love.
This is book one in the Valesky Crime Family series and has an HEA.
Publisher’s Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some readers.
Amazon * Google * Kobo * Books2Read * Blushing Books
Tina’s an Amazon and international bestselling novelist who writes passionate romance for every taste – ‘heat with heart’ – for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. She’s won Readers’ Choice Awards, was named a finalist in the EPIC competition, received a Book of the Year award, The Golden Nib Award, awards of merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competitions, and second place in the NEC RWA contests. She’s featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before penning romances, she worked at a major Hollywood production company in Story Direction.
On a less serious note: she’s an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, brakes for Mexican restaurants, and has been known to moan like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally while wolfing down tostadas. She’s flown a single-engine airplane (freaking scary), rewired an old house using an ‘electricity for dummies’ book, and is horribly shy despite the hot romances she writes.
Website * MeWe * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$15 Amazon
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